Westfield Booragoon: WA Planning Commission approves four-year extension on renovation commencement
The WA Planning Commission has approved Scentre Group's request for a four-year extension on Westfield Booragoon shopping centre's mammoth renovation.
The $792 million plan to redevelop the shopping centre was approved in 2023 on the condition that substantial commencement be made by February 2025.
On Thursday, the substantial commencement deadline was officially extended to February 2029.
Scentre Group claimed the extension was needed due to labour shortages and supply chain issues.
'Builders and key trades continue to confront labour shortages and supply chain issues, which are generating significant cost and delivery uncertainty,' the application prepared by consultant planner Urbis states.
'Due to these extenuating circumstances, the proponent is unable to achieve substantial commencement within the currently specified period.'
Speaking on behalf of the developer, Farida Farrag said the four-year extension is a 'realistic estimate' in today's climate.
'Scentre Group have demonstrated a strong commitment to proceed with the development, but for the reasons outlined in our application substantial commencement hasn't been achieved within the two year approval period,' she said.
'The proposal can achieve substantial commencement within the requested timeframe extension to February 2029.
'The requested extension will enable Scentre Group to continue collaborating with the City of Melville, creating a true town centre as envisioned by the Melville City Centre Structure Plan.
'We're seeking no other variations to the balance of approval conditions, approved uses or the approved design which have been proposed within the initial application.'
A Scentre Group spokesperson told PerthNow they still intended to turn Westfield Booragoon into a destination shopping centre akin to Karrinyup Shopping Centre and Westfield Carousel.
'We have lodged a request to extend the period of substantial commencement to enable further planning. The development opportunity remains part of our investment pipeline,' the spokesperson said.
'We are excited about our vision for Westfield Booragoon and our plans to create a contemporary retail, dining and entertainment destination for the community.'
The existing shopping centre was built more than 50 years ago and was last expanded and refurbished in 1999.
An additional 72,500 sqm of shopping space is planned, which if completed would boost Westfield Booragoon to 114,620sqm and give it the bragging rights of WA's largest shopping centre.
That title currently belongs to Karrinyup, which has 114,000sqm floor space.
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