Anzac Hwy Le Cornu site redevelopment to feature ‘Market Square’
Developers have been selected to transform the former Le Cornu site on Anzac Hwy, and they’ve revealed the first images of their vision.
Business
Don't miss out on the headlines from Business. Followed categories will be added to My News.
A “piazza-style Market Square” will form the centrepiece of a $250m redevelopment of the former Le Cornu site in Forestville.
A consortium comprising of the Chapley family’s Commercial Retail Group, Perth-based housing developer Peet and local group Buildtec has been selected to develop the site, which will accommodate a mix of housing, retail and commercial outlets and public open spaces.
The Chapleys are known for redefining the supermarket experience for customers, with the line up of live music, events, in-store dining and other offerings at their Frewville and Pasadena Foodland stores winning global plaudits.
READ MORE: ‘Unrivalled’: Complete $250m vision for ex-Le Cornu site
They will operate a similar store at Forestville, featuring a specialist butcher, seafood outlet, florist, artisan bakery, and a range of stores showcasing local South Australian produce, growers, farmers, fishers and food manufacturers.
Commercial Retail Group director Spero Chapley said the consortium had a vision to create a project and experience “unrivalled in Australia”, with a bustling, piazza-style “Market Square” at its heart.
“We have drawn inspiration from the small, bustling European towns where the homes, squares and markets, and their scents, colour, sounds and architecture entice you to linger and explore with a new experience around every corner,” he said.
“South Australia is known for its exceptional food and beverage experiences and the high-quality eateries serving its locally grown produce will no doubt be a drawcard for local, interstate and international visitors.”
The “Market Square” precinct includes an open area framed by eateries, and is designed to host food and cultural events. A basement car park will offer more than 500 spaces for visitors.
Dubbed Locale, the broader development of the 3.6ha former Le Cornu site is expected to create 900 direct and indirect jobs during construction, and 500 ongoing jobs across retail, services, education and hospitality.
Housing and Urban Development Minister Nick Champion said the winning consortium’s plans represented a “bold vision” for the long-dormant site.
“This represents a significant investment in infrastructure, amenity, housing and jobs,” he said.
“Under its mandate to deliver transformational property projects that drive economic growth, Renewal SA has achieved a bold vision for the former Le Cornu site in partnership with the Locale consortium that demonstrates the power of combining local knowledge and cross-sector collaborations.”
A period of community consultation will follow the release of plans for the site, which was acquired by Renewal SA in September 2020 after German retailer Kaufland abandoned plans to build a supermarket there.
The land has been vacant since October 2016 when Le Cornu ended its operations in South Australia.
The Advertiser reported last November that Renewal SA had entered exclusive negotiations with the Locale consortium.
As part of the deal, Commercial Retail Group will own and operate the “Market Square” component of the project.
Early designs developed by Renewal SA suggested around 300 homes could be built on the site, with 15 per cent set aside for affordable housing.
Further details about the broader project will be revealed on Friday.
Buildtec, led by the Carrocci family, is overseeing developments including the $120m Norwood Green apartment and townhouse project at the former Caroma site on Magill Rd, while Peet is delivering residential projects including at Tonsley and at the former police academy site in Taperoo.
More Coverage
Originally published as Anzac Hwy Le Cornu site redevelopment to feature ‘Market Square’
Join the conversation
Why visionary White finally quit WiseTech
The exit will be a major test for the tech player. Like all founder-led companies, investors are about to find out if there will be a WiseTech without Richard White.
Read more
Coalition rejects 15-year wait for nuclear
Timetable would require Australia to run coal for longer, but the opposition insists the regulator is failing to recognise international expert advice and the work already done.
Read more