Construction will begin later this year on a new Coles supermarket, retail space and units at Dickson Shops, after the ACT Government ‘called in’ Coles Property Group to develop the site, which is currently an open-air carpark.
The ACT Government made the decision for the development to go ahead, after years of back-and-forth between government, residents and the developer.
“Many local residents have been calling for a new supermarket in Dickson Centre to cater for a growing population. The decision to call in the project will provide certainty to locals and business owners in the area,” said Planning Minister Mick Gentlemen in a statement.
“The Government has taken into account community concerns such as temporary off-site parking during construction, traffic management and the preservation of the Dickson Library.”
The supermarket has been the centre of a long, drawn-out process, with Coles entering into a contract of sale for the site in 2014. An original Development Application (DA) was rejected in 2015, while an amended DA, approved in 2016, was overturned in the ACT Civil and Administrative Tribunal (ACAT) earlier this year after residents groups raised concerns.
“Coles Property Group consulted extensively with the community following their original development proposal in 2016 and has made several changes,” Minister Gentlemen said.
“Public feedback has informed the new development’s design, which will create better public spaces in the centre.
“More than 655 permanent car parks will also be created at the centre, as well as improved footpaths and landscaping. The development fits with our planning strategy by providing more housing choices close to the light rail and the city.”
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