Facelift for Bunbury Plaza

Adding more than 800sq m to Bunbury's oldest shopping centre is the aim of a renovation that began with Woolworths closing its supermarket last week.

Concept plans for Bunbury Plaza include about 200sq m of shop space being demolished for the new supermarket, which will also include a BWS liquor outlet, but a loss of some specialty store space.

Some tenancies would be reconfigured during the development, said Jones Lang LaSalle associate director of retail property and asset management Alex Martin, speaking on the behalf of the owners, the Markotis brothers.

"Designs are still being finalised and are yet to be approved, however the current assessment shows a reduction of approximately 100sq m of specialty area," Mr Martin said.

"The centre will be approximately 5700sq m upon completion, incorporating retail and office areas.

"Overall, we are looking to increase the centre's area by between 800 sq m to 900sq m.

"The landlords wish to retain all specialty tenants and JLL is currently in discussions with the operators to negotiate new leases.

"Redevelopments such as this often result in smaller tenancy areas but they also present a great opportunity for tenants to maximise the use of their tenancy area through smart, modern design."

Nearby land has been purchased and parking will be reconfigured to accommodate 230 bays.

Mr Martin said exact carpark access and configuration remained Bunbury City Council planning matters but hoped access to the centre would be maximised.

Specialty stores will remain open during the redevelopment of the Woolworths supermarket and liquor store.

A Woolworths spokesman said the 3600sq m supermarket would open in mid-2016.

"Seventy-five new, ongoing retail jobs will be created through the redevelopment and opening of a new BWS store in the redeveloped Plaza," he said.

Mr Martin said the project had been well-received by the council, tenants and the community.

It is expected to be completed by the middle of next year.

"The Plaza has been a valued fixture of the Bunbury community for about 50 years," he said.

"However, given the high level of new retail development coming online in the surrounding catchments, it is fitting the site be revitalised so it can continue to serve residents as a leading retail asset."