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