Tag: Woolworths

Approved Kangaroo Point Shoptop Development to Include Full-Line Woolworths Store

Did you know that a new full-line Woolworths supermarketwill soon be built along Prospect Street in Kangaroo Point? The store will be part of a larger planned development, which will also include more than 130 new apartments across 17 storeys.

Read: Woolworths Unveils Bold Housing Solution Anchored by Kangaroo Point Development

Originally, the supermarket was only going to be a smaller Woolworths Metro store. However, the developer Fabcot, a subsidiary of Woolworths, amended the plans in 2021 to allow for a larger, full-line store totaling around 2,600 sq m of commercial space. 

Fabcot was able to expand the project after acquiring an additional lot near the original site on Ferry St.

Photo credit: Cottee Parker

Brisbane City Council initially approved only 10 storeys for 23-31 Ferry St in December 2021, which included 53 apartments, three levels of parking, and a supermarket. However, the council has now greenlit plans to increase the number of apartments to 130, 77 more than originally proposed.

Changes in overall height (Photo credit: Cottee Parker)

According to documents filed with Council, the extra land allowed the developer to add more residential apartments on each floor whilst still meeting zoning requirements. 

The total land area is now over 3,000 sqm with frontages along Ferry, Prospect, and Deakin Streets. Part of the land will be reserved for future road expansions.

The town planners said the larger store will help serve the strong local customer base in the area that currently lacks a full-line supermarket option.

Photo credit: Nearmap

Construction on the shoptop project, designed by architects at Cottee Parker, will happen in two stages, with the Woolworths store and other ground floor retail slated to open first. The remaining residential apartments and amenities like a rooftop pool and gym will be built in stage two. 

Read: 40 Years of Patience Pays Off as Brisbane Woman Puts Kangaroo Point Apartment Block Up For Sale

The developer aims to have the supermarket operational ahead of completing the apartments above.

Published 4-August-2023

Woolworths Unveils Bold Housing Solution Anchored by Kangaroo Point Development

Woolworths is set to construct apartment buildings above its supermarkets in key metropolitan areas, and one standout location, in particular, is captivating public attention: Kangaroo Point in Brisbane.

Read: ​Kangaroo Point Residential and Supermarket Development Plans

In a groundbreaking move that could redefine urban living, Woolworths, the prominent supermarket giant, has discreetly unveiled an ambitious strategy to address Australia’s housing crisis and the picturesque suburb situated along the scenic Brisbane River has become the focal point of Woolworths’ grand vision.

The company is moving full steam ahead with demolishing disused buildings on the site, securing the necessary approvals to bring this transformative project to life. In October 2022, Woolworths lodged DA A006119261 to build a high-density residential and mixed-use facility along 23-31 Ferry Street and 16-30 Prospect Street in Kangaroo Point. 

Kangaroo Point Woolworths
Photo Credit: DA A006119261

“The site is in a well-positioned location that boasts strong connections to the river, CBD, Howard Smith Wharves dining precinct, the Story Bridge and a variety of walking and cycling paths,” the town planner Urbis noted in the DA.

The proposal included a 17-storey residential building with a rooftop garden, offices spaces, food, beverage and retail tenancies, and the supermarket. 

Kangaroo Point Woolworths
Photo Credit: DA A006119261
Kangaroo Point Woolworths
Photo Credit: DA A006119261

As of press time, the DA is under assessment with Council following the submission of its amended plans in June 2023.

Photo Credit: DA A006119261

Whilst the plan has the potential to provide a solution to the housing crisis, it has been met with mixed feelings from the residents.

“I support the Woolworths mixed use project as Brisbane needs an ongoing pipeline of housing supply. This is a great project for the community,” a local wrote in the public submission for the DA. 

“Keep it to the supermarket and a few residental floors and we will support,” one resident who opposed the 17-storey plan said. “Increase residential floors [means] increased traffic chaos and smaller supermarket without independent cafe and there is no longer a net overall benefit to the local community.” 

As Australia faces an estimated shortage of 106,000 homes by 2027, Woolworths sees an opportunity to leverage its resources and become a significant player in the property development landscape.

The concept of “shop-top housing” or mixed-use developments, where residential spaces coexist with retail outlets, could potentially become a trend as the population grows and demands easier access to amenities and services. Communities, however, have shown aversion toward the idea, expressing concerns about increased traffic congestion and the transformation of residential areas into commercial zones. 

Read: ​​Sydney-Based Developer, Fortis, Lodges a Kangaroo Point Riverfront Apartment Tower Proposal

Despite the challenges, Woolworths remains undeterred and already has multiple projects in the pipeline, aside from Kangaroo Point. In Sydney, the company plans to build apartments in Waterloo, Rose Bay, and Neutral Bay. Melbourne’s Elsternwick is also part of their development plans.

Published 18-July-2023