A PROMINENT Gawler location has been earmarked for demolition to make way for international supermarket chain Aldi to set up its second store in the region.

A development application has been lodged with the State Planning Commission for a brand new Aldi supermarket, at 5-7 Tod Street – currently home to several speciality stores or small businesses.

According to the application, the supermarket development will cost almost $5.14 million dollars, and will entail demolition of the two existing buildings, followed by construction of an Aldi supermarket and carpark.

The supermarket would face north, towards the rear of the 5000m2 site, adjoining the entrance to the Big W basement car park.

“A car park will be established in front and to the east of the ALDI Store to provide convenient parking for customers with vehicular access provided from both Tod Street and Reid Street,” it
states.

“The siting and layout of the proposed Aldi Store has been influenced to a significant degree by the need to provide access for heavy vehicles from Reid Street while also providing sufficient space for these vehicles to manoeuvre on site and reverse into the loading dock”.

The Aldi Store will have a floor area of 1625m2, of which just over 1150m2 will be for retail, while the carpark will have 86 spaces.

The development application is currently out on notice as a category two type of development, which means only those formally notified (usually adjacent properties) can make a representation.

In the coming months, it will go before the State Planning Commission for assessment.

In relevant policy, a supermarket is listed as an appropriate use for the land given its location within the Gawler town centre.

The supermarket would be a secondary store in the area for Aldi, which currently operates a supermarket at Gawler Green, Evanston.

In South Australia, Aldi began its state-wide store roll-out in early 2016 and now has 37 operating stores, including nine in regional areas.

The application states Aldi is known to successfully operate in close proximity to other major supermarket chains, with direct competition in about 80 per cent of existing locations, nationwide.

A spokesperson for Aldi told The Bunyip, “Aldi is always looking for ways to bring our unique shopping experience to locals in South Australia and are therefore currently exploring opportunities
in Gawler”.