Imagine a prime piece of real estate sitting empty for nearly two decades, right in the heart of a bustling town center. That's the reality in Maylands, where a massive site owned by retail giant Coles has been gathering dust since the early 2000s. But here's where it gets controversial: is this a case of strategic land banking, or simply a complex development puzzle? Let's dive in.
The story begins with the former Cascades Tavern, which was destroyed by fire in the early 2000s. Coles acquired the Guildford Road site 18 years ago, initially planning to build a large-format liquor store. However, those plans were swiftly rejected over a decade ago, leaving the site undeveloped ever since. And this is the part most people miss: despite the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) concluding that Coles wasn’t engaging in land banking, the site remains a glaring eyesore, sparking frustration among locals and officials alike.
City of Bayswater deputy mayor Elli Petersen-Pik has been vocal about the issue, calling the prolonged vacancy 'unjustified and damaging' to the town center. In a social media post, Cr Petersen-Pik highlighted Coles’ lack of action, noting that no alternative uses have been proposed since the liquor store plan was scrapped 13 years ago. The ACCC’s inquiry used the Maylands site as a case study to illustrate the complexities of assessing undeveloped land, but for residents, the situation feels like a missed opportunity.
Here’s the kicker: Coles reportedly told the ACCC it planned to build a 'dark store' warehouse for online shopping, but Cr Petersen-Pik claims no such discussions have taken place with the city. Even more puzzling, such a use would be prohibited under the current planning scheme. So, what’s the holdup? Is Coles waiting for the perfect moment to develop, or is this a strategic move to keep competitors at bay? The Federal Government now faces the task of deciding whether to act on the ACCC’s recommendations, with Cr Petersen-Pik advocating for restrictions on land banking in such cases.
Residents are equally frustrated, with many calling for redevelopment or short-term activation. Suggestions range from a mixed-use development with housing, shops, and restaurants to temporary landscaping to create a community space. One resident commented, 'To treat this visible space within our community the way they have for so long is completely unacceptable.' Others argue that the vacancy is hindering efforts to revitalize the town center, making it harder to establish a vibrant hub.
Federal MP Patrick Gorman weighed in, urging Coles to engage more openly with the community and local government. 'It is a reasonable expectation that Coles outline their plans to the local community,' he said, adding that he hopes to see quality housing included in any future proposals. Coles, however, denies any land banking intentions, pointing to nearby IGA and ALDI stores as evidence of a competitive market. A spokesperson stated that the company is exploring options but has no updates to share.
So, what’s next? The City of Bayswater supports site activation but acknowledges the land is privately owned. Housing Minister John Carey emphasized the State Government’s focus on unlocking housing supply through investment and redevelopment of government-owned land. But for Maylands, the question remains: will Coles finally act, or will this site continue to symbolize missed potential?
What do you think? Is Coles unfairly holding onto this land, or are they simply navigating a complex development process? Should the government step in, or is this a matter best left to the private sector? Let’s spark a conversation—share your thoughts in the comments below!
