BUNNINGS BELMONT to become a WOOLWORTHS

29 July 2024

Belmont North, NSW — A significant new development is on the horizon for Belmont North, Newy 87.8 has discovered that Woolworths Group are planning to transform the former Bunnings site at 393 Pacific Highway in to a full-line Woolworths supermarket, along with a range of other services to the area.

The project includes the establishment of a modern Woolworths supermarket, in addition to traditional in-store shopping, the supermarket will offer Direct to Boot and home delivery services, all built within the existing Bunnings structure.

The company is seeking feedback from residents to ensure that the new development meets local needs and expectations. Mark Sander from AGIS Group, representing Woolworths, has sent a letter to local residents seeking feedback to complete a Social Impact Assessment (SIA) report.

The site has a rich history, previously serving as a Bunnings Warehouse which relocated to a brand new facility at Bennetts Green, then in 2019, there was excitement about German supermarket giant Kaufland opening its first store in Newcastle, eyeing up the former Bunnings site until they decided to exit the Australian market in early 2020 before any stores were opened.

This was followed by a mass COVID-19 vaccination centre during the pandemic. The vaccination centre, which opened in July 2021, played a crucial role in the region’s vaccine rollout, offering up to 20,000 vaccinations per week at its peak.

Following the pandemic, the site sat idle until March this year when BWP Management, a Wesfarmers company, who own Bunnings, sold it to Fabcot Pty Ltd, a Woolworths Group company for $20m on the 22nd March 2024.

This transformation marks a new chapter for the site, promising to revitalise the area and provide essential services to the community. The proposed development is not just a boost for local retail options but also represents a significant investment in the future of Belmont North.

Comments from a Woolworths spokesperson:

The site at 393 Pacific Highway, Belmont North, houses an old, disused Bunnings store in an area with a growing population and demand for retail amenities.

We believe the site can be better used to service the community, so we’re currently seeking the views of surrounding residents on ideas for the site.

This includes seeking feedback on a full line supermarket, a range of retail services and home delivery and Direct to Boot options. The existing structure even has the possibility of being repurposed to reduce waste.

We will work with the council and the local community as these plans develop further over the coming months.

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