Mernda’s push for a “traditional” town centre and shopping complex has hit a snag.
Locals claim Whittlesea council should not give a permit to supermarket giant Coles to set up in competition opposite rival Woolworths in the main street.
Woolworths supposedly had first call on the town’s retail revitalisation as the owner of a permit for the Mernda Town Centre plan, which proposes a $100 million makeover of the town centre, including two supermarkets, mixed retail and two department stores.
Binu Parakkadavat, vice-president of the Mernda and Doreen Multicultural Association (MADMA), said local businesses had already invested more than $100 million in the town and wanted their views heard as well.
“We request you oppose the proposed development by Ascenzo [Coles] at the north-west corner of Plenty Road when it comes for voting at the council,” MADMA wrote to councillors last week.
“The executive believes the Mernda Town Centre plan is better for the character of Mernda and it should not be compromised by the proposed development.”
Mr Parakkadavat said MADMA would join forces with the Mernda and District Ratepayers Association to oppose a permit for Coles, citing concerns that Woolworths would then delay its development or drastically alter its design.
Some locals told Star Weekly they were worried Woolworths would water down its retail proposal and instead build higher-density residential developments to boost the viability of its 25-hectare site.
Mr Parakkadavat said MADMA believed Coles and Woolworths would operate side by side.
“The executive rejected the argument . . . that Coles would not operate supermarkets in properties owned by Woolworths, as there are examples of both operating in properties owned by the other,” he said.
The issue is due to go before the council again at its meeting at South Morang tonight.
