THE Shire of Northam has received an application to develop the old hospital site on the corner of Wellington and Gairdner Streets.
The proposed development is planned to consist of two supermarket stores and significant retail space, including provision for a retail fuel outlet.
Shire of Northam president Steven Pollard said news of the potential development was exciting.
“Obviously the site has been unused and dilapidated for many years, so to finally have a proposal to develop it is great for the community and a general sign of confidence in Northam,” Cr Pollard said.
“The council is really confident about the future of the Shire of Northam, we have a number of exciting developments which we are leading such as the Aboriginal and Environment Centre, while the private sector is also showing a strong interest in Northam.
“I am of the view that Northam is positioned well to thrive over coming years, it could be an exciting time with lots occurring.”
Cr Pollard said while new developments were important and exciting it was also timely to acknowledge that some local businesses were struggling.
“I think the retail industry in Northam is reflective of what is occurring across WA, with some local businesses no doubt finding it challenging,” he said.
“As a council we are aware of this and working with our staff and the Chamber of Commerce to identify opportunities to assist these businesses and stimulate our local economy.
“It is not an easy task, and there is no one quick answer or solution, for the council it is looking at a range of things and perhaps trying some different ideas until we find initiatives that work.
“In saying this new developments such as this one have the potential to assist and stimulate more local spending.”
Cr Pollard said while the Shire could play an important role it was also important for local people to take responsibility and try to spend locally.
“Sometimes people forget that not supporting local business can have significant impacts on Northam,” Cr Pollard said.
“I know the temptation is to go to Midland and think you are saving money, but without local businesses in town the community would suffer.
“New developments in Northam have the potential to provide a greater range of shopping opportunities which will no doubt provide more reason to shop locally.”
The old hospital site development application is currently being assessed by council staff and will be put out for public comment over coming weeks.
Once the development application has been reviewed it will be advertising through the normal mediums by council.
“It is critical to acknowledge that at this stage council has only received the application and prior to any approvals or otherwise the process of seeking community input and feedback remains integral and critical to a positive outcome,” Cr Pollard said.
“Once the feedback and comments from the community are received a final determination on the proposal can then be made.”
Shire of Northam chief executive Jason Whiteaker said the process for approval could take up to 90 days with a final decision on the development being made by a Development Assessment Panel (DAP), not the Shire of Northam.
“Because of the scale of the project we are required to refer the application to a Development Assessment Panel, which consists of two elected members and a range of professional experts,” Mr Whiteaker said.
“Staff will still be required to undertake the assessment and develop a report for the DAP, as it would normally for council, however as mentioned the final decision to approve or otherwise will be with the DAP.”
