ALDI plans ‘hang in council balance’

KIM WATERS
Plans for two ALDI supermarkets hang in the balance as Geelong’s council reviews a proposal for one of the stores, according to a company spokesperson.
The spokesperson said council’s decision on revised plans for the Geelong West store would affect ALDI’s bid for a second outlet at Waurn Ponds.
“ALDI will make a decision on the development for Waurn Ponds site once the outcome of the Geelong West development application is known. Further details will be advised in due course,” the spokesperson said.
Council initially shot the Geelong West store plan in April, saying it was “contrary” to a heritage review of the site’s Ashby precinct and would worsen traffic snarls in the area.
But former Planning Minister Justin Madden approved the project in September along with ALDI stores for Highton and Drysdale.
City Hall’s Joanna Van Slageren said Mr Madden approved the Geelong West supermarket subject to “some changes in the store’s layout”
“The revised plans have been submitted to City of Greater Geelong for endorsement. Objectors will be provided with a copy of the revised plans for their information,” Ms Van Slageren said.
Geelong councillor Barbara Abley said in October that using the site for an ALDI store was a “wasted opportunity”
Mr Madden “tossed out” council’s interim heritage control because ALDI “could not or would not” incorporate it into the development, she said.
“What a wasted opportunity to do something really innovative on this site instead of the usual bog-standard, ugly, box supermarket which will stand out like the proverbial sore toe among heritage-listed homes.”