THE Shire of Northam has issued the demolition permit for the old Northam hospital.
Subject to conditions, the move includes a building permit for the construction of retaining walls.
The proposed development, on the corner of Wellington and Gairdner Streets, consists of two supermarket stores and significant retail space, including provision for a retail fuel outlet.
Windsor Knight Commercial Property Development owner/developer Greg Pearce said demolition of the old hospital will begin soon.
“Demolition will commence in two-three weeks,” Mr Pearce said.
“The demolition contractor has been awarded and the licence has been granted.”
Currently a dilapidation survey is underway to inspect the current structural condition of buildings and structures surrounding the old hospital site.
This is in the event a home owner claims demolition work has been responsible for damage to their property.
“I have been a project developer for over 25 years and I am very excited about this project,” Mr Pearce said.
“I am looking forward to investing in Northam – this will be very transformational for the town.”
Mr Pearce said the Coles supermarket will be dramatically bigger than the existing premises, and the addition of discount supermarket Aldi will also be a major addition.
“We will create a shopping centre which is state of the art,” Mr Pearce said.
Mr Pearce said the aim is to have the new shopping precinct open in the second half of 2017.
“We have been pleased with support and assistance from the Northam Shire, chief executive Jason Whiteaker has been very good,” Mr Pearce said.
The retaining walls which will be constructed relate to the construction of a new Optus tower, which currently resides on the old hospital roof.
It is understood no explosions or implosions will take place during the demolition, but rather it will be a gradual collapse.
The Shire will be working very closely with the developers during the project.
Shire of Northam manager planning services Kobus Nieuwoudt said the demolition permit allocation was a positive development.
“We are very happy the project seems to be going full steam ahead,” Mr Nieuwoud said.