Bunnings' $28m Jolimont move given go ahead

Hardware giant Bunnings will leave its Subiaco home of 30 years in order to build a new $28 million store in Jolimont after the local development panel unanimously approved the proposal today.

The development application, spearheaded by planning consultancy element, sought approval for the construction of a warehouse, an outdoor nursery, café, balcony, playground and two small commercial tenancies at the 9,900 square metre site.

The company first unveiled plans to build the four-storey warehouse at 616 Hay Street 12 months ago, which it purchased for $13 million back in 2017.

The Metro Inner-North Joint Development Assessment Panel unanimously approved the proposal during a meeting this morning, a move recommended by the City of Subiaco.

The latest design iteration is the second to be proposed by the hardware giant, which was sent back to the drawing board following community backlash.

The initial proposal raised the ire of surrounding residents, with more than 80 per cent of the 165 submissions received during the public consultation period objecting to the proposal.

Those against the development raised concerns about the building’s height and bulk, as well as whether the design was in keeping with the surrounding area and its potential to create traffic congestion.

The move from its Salvado Road home of three decades is expected to represent a $55 million investment by the hardware giant, with 120 jobs during the construction phase and 30 additional staff to be employed when the new store is fully operational.