Bunnings builds up in Pickle

DAVID BELL - THE PERTH VOICE

AN even bigger Bunnings has been proposed to fit into the Pickle District, adding in more retail space and removing “community” spaces that were originally included to mollify local opposition.

The current $25m designs for a Bunnings warehouse and assorted retail tenancies would stretch across a large block owned by Anita Percudani and Loretta Ricciardi that stretches from Newcastle Street to Old Aberdeen Place.

The older, smaller design was opposed by Vincent councillors and by many of the existing local businesses on the block.

Most opposition revolved around wanting to protect the area’s arty vibe, and concerns about having so much extra traffic in the quiet old warehouse district which has narrow streets and small cul-de-sacs.

However in November 2022 the plan won majority approval from the state government-appointed members of the Development Assessment Panel which assesses large developments.

This newer proposal increases floorspace of the auxiliary retail tenancies from 1,998sqm to 2,437sqm and adds a level of offices, bringing the proposal from four storeys to five storeys at its highest point running along Old Aberdeen Place.

Most of the added retail floorspace stems from making space for a larger tenancy like a fresh produce market or a gym, at the expense of now-deleted “community” use facilities.

The original plans had included space for a “studio/workshop” for “community purposes” and a “community event space”.

The original application had claimed that offering these spaces would help keep the area’s artistic vibe: “The ultimate goal of providing these spaces is to ensure the Pickle District Town Team can continue to operate on the site, continue to provide art events and ensure the district is not relinquished following the demolition of existing warehouses across the development area,” the application from Planning Solutions stated.

The new application suggests the Pickle District can still hold events, but across the street, on strip of grassy verge owned by Main Roads. The amendments are open for consultation via engage.vincent.wa.gov.au until August 7.

https://perthvoiceinteractive.com/2023/07/20/bunnings-builds-up-in-pickle/