A planning proposal has been lodged with Hawkesbury City Council for a new $50 million supermarket, retail and commercial centre at North Richmond.
The proposed development would occupy a 2.23-hectare site at 11 Terrace Road, adjoining the existing light-industrial area and about 100 metres from the Bells Line of Road traffic lights.
Indicative plans provide for approximately 7,700 square metres of retail and commercial floorspace, comprising a 4,000-square-metre full-line supermarket, 1,700 square metres of specialty retail and 2,000 square metres of commercial premises.
The developer says the completed centre could support more than 360 full-time and part-time jobs. However, the identity of the proposed supermarket operator has not been disclosed.
The proposal is being managed by Richmond-based Bennett Advisory on behalf of landowner Vistara Property Development Consultants.
Bennett Advisory director Matthew Bennett said the development was intended to address demand for additional shopping and commercial services west of the Hawkesbury River.
“A new supermarket will complement the existing Coles and Aldi and provide greater competition, choice and convenience for local families,” Mr Bennett said.
He said redeveloping or substantially expanding the existing North Richmond shopping precinct would be difficult because the centre was spread across more than 30 separately owned properties and included strata holdings, operating businesses and council-owned car parks.
Traffic conditions around Riverview Street and Grose Vale Road also constrained redevelopment of the existing centre, he said.
“The Terrace Road site gives us the opportunity to plan a new centre properly from the outset, with a full-line supermarket, specialty shops, commercial space, ample parking and better access all together on one site,” Mr Bennett said.
The developer argues that more than 30,000 people live throughout North Richmond, Kurrajong, Glossodia and surrounding villages, with many residents travelling across the North Richmond and Windsor bridges to reach a wider range of shops and services.
It says providing additional services west of the river could reduce some cross-river shopping trips. That claim, along with the proposal’s broader traffic effects, will need to be tested through the planning process.
The site is expected to be used initially by Transport for NSW as a construction compound for works associated with the new Richmond Bridge.
Lodging a planning proposal does not grant approval for the development. A planning proposal generally seeks to change the planning controls applying to land, after which a separate development application and detailed assessment may still be required.
The proposal must first be considered by Hawkesbury City Council and, if supported, progress through the NSW Government’s statutory planning process. This may include a gateway determination, technical studies and public exhibition.
“This is the first step in the planning process,” Mr Bennett said.
“Subject to receiving the necessary support of Hawkesbury Council and the NSW Government, we hope the new centre could be open for trading by early 2032.”
Proposal at a glance
- Location: 11 Terrace Road, North Richmond
- Site: 2.23 hectares
- Estimated investment: $50 million
- Full-line supermarket: 4,000 square metres
- Specialty retail: 1,700 square metres
- Commercial premises: 2,000 square metres
- Total proposed floorspace: 7,700 square metres
- Claimed employment: More than 360 full-time and part-time positions
- Development manager: Bennett Advisory
- Landowner: Vistara Property Development Consultants
- Indicative opening: Early 2032, subject to the necessary approvals
