Sneak peek at new CBD layout

A department store could replace one of Bunbury's biggest carparks if developers succeed in their bid to acquire the council-owned land.

The South Western Times last week revealed the Bunbury City Council would look at its options to sell the Stirling and Cornwall streets decked carpark, after it was approached by Centrepoint Shopping Centre and Stirling Centre owner Primewest.

More concept plans from the developers

The company is also in the process of getting approval for a major redevelopment and extension of the centres worth about $20 million. A Stage One Development Application lodged on behalf of Primewest reveals indicative plans for a "department store" to replace the 510-bay carpark.

The plans include a two-storey department store plus specialty and food and beverage stores and reconfiguration of the decked parking area.

The development would "provide for additional retail in line with the outcomes set out within the Activity Centres for Greater Bunbury Policy".

"It is acknowledged that due to the reduction in car parking spaces, a comprehensive parking strategy for the city centre will be necessary to identify other opportunities for parking," it said.

Mayor Gary Brennan last week said he was not concerned there would be a potential decline in carparks in the CBD if the council did decide to sell the land.

Any redevelopment on the land would need to meet carpark requirements as per Bunbury's Town Planning Scheme.

Due to the value of the redevelopment and extensions, the application must be approved by the Southern Joint Development Assessment Panel rather than the council.

The council will lodge a draft Responsible Authority Report in response to the redevelopment this month with a view to recommending the application is approved.

However, until the council makes a decision on whether it will sell the carpark to Primewest, keep the land or place it on the market for sale, plans for the department store will be put on hold.

Chief executive officer Andrew Brien will bring a business case study back to council in the next four to six weeks.

The application also revealed the first architectural design plans for the redevelopment and extension.

The plans include more than 2000sq m in additional floor area, a food court, a new civic square between Stirling Centre and Centrepoint and the demolition and rebuild of the Haley Street decked car park.

The council received 11 concerns or objections during the public comment period of the redevelopment, including carpark issues and effects on businesses in the CBD during construction works.