An objection to the City of Mandurah’s proposed sale of land to shopping giant Aldi has highlighted the “inappropriate” negotiations surrounding the controversial plan.
In a letter addressed to the City on October 21, Federation Centres development manager Andrew Hall said the disposal of the Aldgate Street block to a “single entity and for the land use proposed is considered inappropriate”.
In reference to the City’s invitation for public comment, Mr Hall said he acknowledged the sale of land was in accordance with the Local Government Act 1995, but cited a “lack of public probity and transparency” in the site’s disposal given the advertising of Aldi’s intention to purchase the site was the first time the proposed sale had been made publicly available.
Mr Hall said the development of an Aldi store at the site would be contrary to “orderly and proper planning” and contrary to the City’s own planning strategy.
He expressed concern that only one entity had entered into negotiations over the sale of the land and said other interested parties had been denied the opportunity to express interest in purchasing the site.
“The City should go through a process to make the lot publicly available for purchase,” Mr Hall said.
“Given the City is only negotiating the disposal of the site to one entity, the value of the site has only been tested in theory and not in the market.
“Other interested parties may be willing to pay a higher price for the site than offered by Aldi Foods Pty Ltd.”
Mr Hall also expressed concern, on behalf of Federation Centres, that the use of the land for a major shopping centre contravened zoning outlined in the Inner Mandurah Precinct Plan (IMPP).
The City has been requested to support the sale of the land for more than $2.4million to Aldi in a report from the Director of Sustainable Development.
A final decision on the proposal is expected on November 25.
