City agrees to CBD sale

A multi-million dollar offer on one of Bunbury’s biggest carparks has been accepted by the Bunbury City Council, bringing plans for another department store in the city a step closer.

While the $5.5 million offer from Centrepoint Shopping Centre owners Primewest is well under the council’s $6.3 million valuation, the council has accepted the bid to put it out for public consultation.

The offer for the carpark between Cornwall and Stirling streets divided councillors this week with Mayor Gary Brennan revealing he used his casting vote to get the recommendation over the line.

Mr Brennan ruled out any concerns over a reduction in parking bays, saying any development would need to cater for parking.

However if plans for a Civic and Cultural Precinct on the Wittenoom Street carpark proceed, both developments could potentially happen simultaneously.

Mr Brennan said he had confidence in council officers’ claims there would always be adequate parking in the CBD.

“There will be some disruptions obviously and we may need some temporary car parking put in place,” he said.

“But we don’t know to what extent that is at this time.

“The officers tell me we have adequate carparks in the city to cater for any loss.”

While the developers have continued to decline to comment on the latest attempt to build their asset portfolio, a development application previously lodged revealed plans for a two-storey department store.

Mr Brennan confirmed to theSouth Western Times the company intended to expand the Centrepoint Shopping Centre over the carpark area. Mr Brennan praised the move, saying if the development went ahead it would generate employment opportunities for Bunbury.

However, he said the decision was ultimately up to Bunbury residents who would have the option to comment on the Business Plan for the sale during the consultation period.

“That $5.5 million is not on the mark, it’s below,” he said.