So called minor changes to the proposed Woolworths Two Rocks shopping centre to be built south of the King Neptune statue, which include shifting the main building slightly and a direct-to-boot service, have been approved.

According to the Metro Outer JDAP minutes the minor changes are valued at $10 million which appears to be on top of the original proposal for 10 (Lot 9702) Enterprise Ave which was costed at $16m.

When the amendment was open for public comment for some weeks in November last year shifting the main building west by about 2m was not among the proposed modifications listed on the amendment landing page on the City of Wanneroo’s website.

Along with shifting the main building west the minor changes approved by the JDAP on February 3 are: a reduction of the Woolworths floor area by 3sqm, car parking increased from 219 bays to 236 bays, specialty 1 increased by 1sqm and specialty 3 increased by 30sqm, specialty 6 relocated along the Azzurra Loop frontage, now adjacent to specialty 5, bin store relocated from rear of specialty 3 to the north-eastern service area, amenities and end of trip facilities relocated adjacent to specialty 6 and parklet, office-commercial building decreased by 6sqm and future pad site decreased by 20sqm and modification of the direct-to-boot canopy structure.

A graphic included with the documents supplied to the JDAP depicts a future pad, which it says is not part of the current application.

The JDAP members unanimously approved the changes.

The JDAP minutes said the panel considered the proposed amendments to the previously approved plans were of a minor nature that would provide a more functional and efficient building layout.

“The panel was satisfied that the advice from the Heritage Council had confirmed that the minor amendments would have no negative impact on the cultural heritage significance of the precinct.’’

Once the original plans for the Woolworths shopping centre on the Fini Group-owned land were open for public comment in December 2021 many Two Rocks residents campaigned against the proposal and wanted the Sun City precinct, which includes the King Neptune statue included in the state register of heritage places.

Residents hoped the inclusion on the state register of heritage places would stop the shopping centre proposal going ahead but it was approved by the JDAP on May 4 last year.

One submitter in support of the amended proposal said they found the majority of locals, especially Atlantis beach residents, who had constructed new houses in the past seven years, were strongly in favour of Woolworths building a new retail centre in Two Rocks.

But many residents no doubt felt some satisfaction when the Sun City precinct was entered in the state register of heritage places on December 28 last year.

The City of Wanneroo’s responsible authority report to the JDAP in relation to the minor changes included a letter dated January 23, 2023 from the Heritage Council signed by acting chair Lloyd Clark.

The letter said on 13 May 2022, the Heritage Council considered requests for a stop work order on the (original) development proposal.

“The council resolved to advise the Heritage Minister that it does not consider that there is a likelihood of imminent damage to Sun City precinct, Two Rocks and therefore a stop work order is not warranted,’’ the letter said.

Documents submitted to the JDAP said WAPC subdivision 161195 had also been approved facilitating future development surrounding the site, particularly to the west and south and included road connections and a crossover to the south of the lot onto Lisford Ave.

“WAPC approval 161195 also includes the relocation of the public open space as identified within ASP 70 to the western side of the subject site, along with a separate 604sqm lot to facilitate future commercial tenancies,’’ the document said.

“A 3066sqm commercial lot will also be created to the south of the subject site.’’

This article appeared on Yanchep News Online on 10 February 2023.