Amendment approved for major retail expansion in Armadale

18/8/05
Planning and Infrastructure Minister Alannah MacTiernan has approved Amendment No. Three to the Armadale Redevelopment Scheme - making possible the expansion of the Plaza Shopping Centre to include a Big W discount department store.
"I have carefully considered all the submissions and believe on balance this change is necessary to create a strong competitive centre for Armadale," Ms MacTiernan said.
The Plaza Shopping Centre will expand from 13,000m2 to almost 25,000m2 adding about 10,000m2 of new retail shopping space to the centre.
The $54million expansion of the Plaza Centre will complement the $75million redevelopment of Armadale Shopping City and create the depth and variety of shopping required by the growing population of Armadale.
"To address concerns about possible oversupply of specialty shops in the short term, the amount of space approved will be staged over a number of years," the Minister said.
"I have made it clear that even with this approval, there will be no transfer of land until appropriate relocation sites have been provided for community groups operating from Minnawarra and Orchard Houses.
"I have asked the ARA to facilitate the relocation of Minnawarra and Orchard Houses as a priority to ensure there is no unnecessary disruption to the services provided at these premises."
The next stage is the submission of the development application. These plans will also be submitted for public comment.
It is expected that construction work could start on the Plaza Shopping Centre expansion as early as February next year, creating much needed employment and economic activity in the area.
"The confidence being shown through increased activity in Armadale is exactly what the Gallop Government is trying to create in Armadale," Ms MacTiernan said.
"Ultimately, we are about creating jobs, opportunities and economic growth for local people."
Neither the Carob Tree nor Minnawarra Park will be affected by the development.
Minister's office: 9213 6400