Margaret River Chamber of Commerce warns of fallout from Rapids Landing’s increased supermarket precinct

Margaret River’s Chamber of Commerce has warned of dire consequences for retail in the town centre after news broke this week that a greatly-increased supermarket and retail precinct in Rapids Landing looks to get the tick from the WA Planning Commission. The development by the Lester Group was criticised as not meeting the Shire of Augusta-Margaret River’s careful planning measures designed to produce a bespoke, small-scale precinct at the intersection of John Archibald Drive and Leschenaultia Terrace. A commercial impact report commissioned by the developer said CBD retail would face a 12 per cent hit from any new shopping district, and while the Shire last year opposed the requested increased floor space — providing room for a full-line supermarket and about 12 speciality shops and offices — the WAPC made only slight modifications. “Margaret River retailers have had a very difficult two years recently and are still facing a very rocky road to survive as costs have increasesd while consumer confidence is down,” Chamber spokesperson Barbara Maidment said. “And while we recognise that the area is growing, we requested that the original village shopping centre plan be honoured.” Councillors and residents have criticised the lack of action to deliver promised extra access points to Rapids Landing, which has caused painful snarls during commute times and frustrated parents at the local primary school. Dr Maidment said submissions from residents supporting the supermarket were likely motivated by the urgency of traffic congestion, which would be addressed if and when the precinct started construction. “The chamber is concerned the developer’s plans have not been achieved to link Brookfield with Rapids Landing, or the Rapids Landing residential area with John Archibald Drive,” Dr Maidment said. “While transport pressures grew and a resolution became a pressing safety matter, a greatly-expanded proposal was introduced that has little basis in need to convince Rapids Landing residents to push for approval.” The chamber echoed a Shire-commissioned review of the developer’s impact study which said one of Margaret River’s three supermarkets could relocate to Rapids Landing, causing additional economic harm — and also undermine the Shire’s efforts to keep major retailers in the town centre. “The inclusion of a public plaza and open space in the proposed Rapids Landing commercial centre makes a mockery of the millions just spent to revitalise and enhance our central townscape,” Dr Maidment said. “Whilst the WAPC decision is a modification of the requested increase, the decision has been based on flawed research in our opinion and will impact the central shopping district by some 12 to 15 per cent.” WAPC requested a Local Development Plan which would be subject to public comment before any green-lighting of construction. The Lester Group did not respond to Times inquiries.