This small suburban strip shopping centre in a residential zone was limited by its historical approval for use only as a food and drink outlet, leading to difficulties for the owner in attracting tenants. We obtained development approval for a range of commercial uses (community use, food and drink outlet, health care service, office, sales office, service industry, shop, and veterinary service)—providing flexibility to reduce vacancy and improve the centre for the surrounding residential neighbourhood.
We were required to draft new plans for the application using the original drawings from the 1980s, including minor changes to address new code requirements. Although many aspects of the premises were not fully compliant with current standards (including car parking and servicing), we were successful in obtaining relaxations to get the approval across the line.
The centre has since filled its vacant tenancies and is once again an active commercial hub.
