Some thoughts on the ALDI development in Hilton

April 28, 2015

Let me star by saying I have no fundamental problem with an Aldi coming to Fremantle or Hilton. They are undoubtedly going to be a major player in supermarkets in WA in coming years.

That said, I think some of the community concerns around the particular plans for the Hilton proposal have merit. For me the main issues are:

The development turns its back to the street and presents an unactivated, blank wall to South Street. If this side was wrapped with small scale retail like a hairdresser, post office and shoe repairer that would be a huge improvement; A mixed-use development of retail and residential would be far better. A couple of floors of residential above the retail would add to the residential mix in Hilton and give the development the presence a neighbourhood centre deserves. Even in Fremantle I think most people would say this development is not tall enough!

It may be not be possible to stop the development going ahead even though we can all see how it could be improved and add to the Hilton Centre.

So we’d like your feedback and an additional 14 days (28 in total) was added to the public advertising period – now ending Thursday 14 May 2015.

The plans and detailed information can be accessed at:http://www.fremantle.wa.gov.au/cityoffremantle/Community_engagement/Community_consultation_projects/2015/304_South_Street