Kardinya shopping centre gets the go ahead

Retail developer Con Berbatis’ proposal for an $80 million revamp of Kardinya Park shopping centre was approved yesterday, according to the project’s spokesperson. 

Project spokesperson Clint Ford said the project received approval under some conditions, including revising the 12-storey apartment tower down to nine-storeys.

This was likely in response to a community petition, which received 163 signatures, detailing concerns over the height of the apartment complex.

“Our position is that we’ll just simply work within the parameters that we’ve been approved on,” Mr Ford told Business News.

Uncertainty over potential project delays surfaced last week after a deferral was suggested until the Activity Centre Plan had been endorsed. The minutes from yesterday's meeting are yet to be released. 

Designed by Hames Sharley, the redevelopment will include two supermarkets and a Kmart department store, a fresh food precinct, an entertainment precinct including a cinema, restaurants, a swimming pool and climbing walls, and increased medical, dental and veterinary services.

Sydney-headquartered construction firm Built was appointed to carry out the building works in March, under an early contractor involvement framework.

Total Retail Group has also been appointed to handle leasing activities for the redevelopment.

Mr Ford said the developer planned to approach the development as a phased approach that would take works through to 2023 and anticipated construction to start in the next few months.

Business News previously reported that Dr Berbatis had said the redevelopment had been significantly shaped by a comprehensive community engagement plan.  

“Locals have been waiting 20 years to see this amenity reimagined and repurposed,” he said last December.

“We’ve invested significantly in listening to them and have incorporated their feedback into the masterplan – this is really going to set the bar for the future of the retail and town centre experience at this scale.”