Council committed to supermarket at Lake Munmorah

Council says the development proposal by Woolworths Limited has been given priority by Council staff, and Council has dedicated a great deal of resources to ensure the much needed project gets off the ground.

The development of a shopping centre to service the northern area of Wyong Shire is in accordance with Council’s adopted Retail Centres Strategy.

“This strategy was adopted in December 2007 and outlines the predicted demand for retail floor space across the Shire based on an estimation of future population growth and forecast retail spending,” Council’s acting Manager of Future Planning Paul Bowditch said.

“We are currently working through some final issues with Woolworths and recently met with them to discuss the way forward in the hope that Council will soon be in a position to place the rezoning proposal on exhibition for public comment,” Mayor Bob Graham said.

“Not all outstanding issues can be resolved by Council and one issue will require the assistance of the Department of Planning to liaise with the Department of Environment, Climate Change and Water.”

Council voted last November to request a payment from Woolworths of $1.25 million to fund the construction of a shared pathway required to enable safe access to the site.

“Given the proposed development will be constructed on the corner of the Pacific Highway and Tall Timbers Road and eventually comprise a supermarket, service station, specialty shops and a health/medical centre, one of our main concerns has been ensuring safe access for residents,” Mayor Graham said.

“That is why the construction of a shared pathway allowing nearby residents to walk or cycle safely to the proposed new centre is a vital part of the development.

“We are more than hopeful of resolving these final issues and we look forward to getting on with delivering a new supermarket for the Shire’s north.”

A Woolworths related company, Fabcot Pty Ltd, bought the eight hectare site in 2004 paying $5 million for it.

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