FLASHY new Woolies could replace this run-down Perth site

After years in limbo, a huge dilapidated site on Stirling Highway in the centre of Nedlands could finally see a shopping centre and piazza along with refurbishments to the Captain Stirling Hotel.

City of Nedlands councillors voted this week to recommend State planners give the project the green light.

Woolworths’ plans were deferred by the Joint Development Assessment Panel in 2020, with the company deciding to appeal the decision with the State Administrative Tribunal.

They recently revived the project and are now proposing a $25m two to three-storey development including a Woolworths, a restaurant and cafe, gym, retail tenancies, medical centre and a liquor store.

Woolworths will also establish a public space, retain and refurbish the Captain Stirling Hotel and provide 382 car bays.

The Nedlands council voted 9-4 to recommend the JDAP approve the plans — subject to a traffic treatment plan being submitted by the applicant — after a motion to recommend refusal was defeated by one vote.

Residents spoke for and against the project, with one calling it “suburban terrorism” and several raising concerns about increased traffic.

But others argued the shopping centre would provide convenience and amenity for local shoppers.

Cr Noel Youngman argued the council should urge the JDAP to refuse the project and stressed it was a “50 to 75-year decision”.

Cr Youngman said the tree canopy was “going to be ripped down”.

The debate became tense when mayor Fiona Argyle suggested Cr Youngman was against the project because his relative lived close by, while Cr Youngman suggested the mayor was in favour because her “best friend” had an interest in it — a remark he later apologised for.

Cr Ben Hodsdon argued the project was needed as there was a “distinct lack of a commercial and social precinct” since the Captain Stirling shops had closed.