For and against

Bulli business owners split over Woolworths plan

By Paul Fahy

OPINION is wildly divided among local business owners over the merits of a plan to build a Woolworths shopping centre on the old Cavions scrap metal yard at Bulli.

The proposal attracted its share of criticism earlier this month.

But there are those within the existing Bulli commercial centre who can see positives in having Woolworths as a neighbour.

"I think Bulli needs something like this," Bulli Pharmacy owner Saul Duffy said.

"It needs a major drawcard to get more people shopping in the area."

Mr Duffy said local shoppers often travelled outside of Bulli to visit the major supermarkets in Corrimal.

He said the Woolworths plan had the potential to revitalise the southern end of Bulli.

"I think you have to embrace change and be positive," Mr Duffy said.

Developers want to replace the Cavions site, two houses and a workshop with a supermarket, specialty shops, public amenities and a 155-space car park.

Wollongong councillors voted earlier this month to begin the process to rezone the 13,400sqm site on the Princes Highway between Molloy and Station Streets, from light industrial to business.

The development is expected to create up to 245 jobs, but the proposal has also drawn strong criticism from other local business owners.

Gary Wickham from Bulli Newsagency and Post Office said a major supermarket could have a dramatic impact on the area's existing commercial centre.

"We're very concerned about the trade being pulled away from the traditional Bulli shopping strip and small business being gobbled up by the big giant," Mr Wickham said.

"It's not just about me, it's about all the business owners in the Bulli, Woonona and Thirroul strips."

Bulli Fruit and Veg owner Carl Matar said there may be a need for a shopping centre in the area, but questioned whether the Cavions site was the right location for the development.

Mr Matar said the loss of the light industrial land could reduce future employment opportunities.

"If we lose too much of the light industrial land, what will be left for the young people looking for apprenticeships in the area," he said.

Woonona Bulli Chamber of Commerce spokesman Graeme Sturgiss acknowledged that there were differing opinions about the Woolworths plan within the business community.

The chamber held a meeting earlier this month to discuss the proposal and Mr Sturgiss said a second meeting would be held on July 12.

Business owners in Bulli, Woonona and Thirroul will be invited, with the chamber looking to lodge a submission to Wollongong City Council in response to the development proposal.