Aigle Group to build $15m retail hub

Tony Poli-chaired Aigle Royal Group has received approval to build a multi-million-dollar commercial precinct around its $80 million Costco warehouse.

The Metro Outer Joint Development Assessment Panel today unanimously approved the developer’s proposal to build a bulky goods retail hub comprising eight showroom tenancies and two cafés in Casuarina.

The $15 million retail precinct is the second stage of the group’s Samara City development to build a large format retail shopping centre precinct spanning across 60 hectares.

Costco Casuarina, which opened in December, is the only major development on the project site so far, according to the City of Kwinana’s report to the JDAP.

The vacant 5.74-hectare site earmarked for the second stage is bound by Kwinana Freeway and Thomas and Orton roads.

Aigle Royal Group chief executive Brad Brashaw said construction was expected to start in the first half of 2024, subject to all approvals.

“Construction will take approximately 12 months and is expected to complete by mid-2025,” he said after the meeting.

“Samara Casuarina will be a master-planned development comprising of large format retail, a proposed neighbourhood shopping centre and future residential housing.

“Ideally located on the southeast corner of the Thomas Rd, Kwinana Fwy exit, when completed Samara Casuarina will ultimately become a key shopping and lifestyle destination in Perth’s growing southern corridor.”

A render of Aigle Royal Group's proposed commercial precinct in Casuarina. Image: Hames Sharley via JDAP documents

The City of Kwinana supported Aigle Royal’s application, recommending it be approved.

“I am really looking forward to the development coming to City of Kwinana,” JDAP member and city mayor Carol Adams said.

JDAP presiding member Eugene Koltasz said he was supportive of the proposal and trusted the applicant to resolve further planning matters with the Kwinana council.

In the JDAP report, city officers said the proposed retail precinct would provide an appropriate gateway to the area.

“The design incorporates various features, materials and articulated elements that will provide aesthetic appeal and amenity that will contribute to the existing and future context of the area,” the report said.

“City Officers have worked with the applicant throughout the pre-lodgement and assessment stages to understand the proposal and provide for a good outcome.

“This development will further activate this emerging urban area and provide multiple benefits for both the local and wider community.”

Mr Brashaw said the project would be delivered in a series of stages over the coming years.

“The JDAP application for this next stage is for 25,000 square metres of large format retail, two cafes and approximately 670 car parking bays across the 5.7-hectare site,” he said.

“Masterplan potential of all stages across the 60 hectares is for 100,000 square metres [of] retail, food, bulky goods, warehouse and supporting commercial and light industrial uses, in addition to a residential precinct with supporting commercial and community uses.”