Progress: Child carer Brooke Wilkie watches with a youngster under her care as work continues on the church demolition.
ERIN PEARSON
RESIDENTS have welcomed demolition of an historic Geelong West church to make way for a discount supermarket.
Albert Street’s Brooke Wilkie said she was thrilled work was underway to build the ADLI store.
Demolition of the former St John’s Anglican Church began last week after three years of negotiations with residents, council and heritage groups.
Ms Wilkie said some residents had initial concerns over traffic management but were now satisfied with the final plans.
“ALDI has met with residents and made sure we’re all aware of what’s happening,” she said.
“I initially had concerns about the loading bay because I run a day care centre from home but ALDI is doing everything it can to help.”
Ms Wilkie hoped the store would bring increased competition to the suburb.
Geelong West ALDI’s plans drew criticism from multiple Geelong councillors and heritage groups.
Former Planning Minister Justin Madden approved the project in September along with ALDI stores for Highton and Drysdale.
