Supermarket discount store ALDI is looking to take over the old Franklins building at North Richmond.
The proposal is estimated at $1.19 million.
THE former Franklins building originally dubbed The Great Wall of North Richmond looks to be taken over by discount supermarket store ALDI.
The proposal on the corner of Bells Line of Road and Grose Vale Road is estimated at $1,199,000.
Hawkesbury Council’s director of city planning Matt Owens said the development application was lodged on June 30.
The works proposed include external building alterations, additional separate retail to the south-western elevation, new business signage, kerb alignment and vehicle access point along Riverview Street for service vehicles and to improve on-site manoeuvring into the loading dock.
Landscaping, including the planting of new trees, shrubs and groundcovers was also included.
The existing rooftop car parking is also shown in the plan.
‘‘At this stage the application is still undergoing assessment,’’ Mr Owens said.
The takeover of the building would mean more grocery options for residents west of the river who currently have access only to a Coles supermarket.
‘‘ALDI moving into the old Franklins site at North Richmond would provide more choice for residents and greater employment opportunities for locals,’’ mayor Ford said.
ALDI said it was ‘‘currently in the process of researching suitable sites in the Hawkesbury area’’.
‘‘When looking to open a new store in an area, ALDI works closely with local councils, community and residential groups and other businesses to ensure the presence of the store has a positive impact on the community,’’ the ALDI Australia spokesperson said.
What you said on the Hawkesbury Gazette's Facebook page:
* Views 47,136; with 283 comments including:
John Jose: Go Aldi, no marketing gimmicks, no stupid plastic card loyalty schemes, customer friendly checkouts that have long approach conveyor belts to unload purchases with ease, no trolleys dumped around the carpark and beyond, no free plastic bags. Cash up front or pay the surcharge if using a credit card. Recycle battery collection point. Surely this a more sensible way to shop.
Natalie Lee: I was more excited when i thought it was going to be KMART. We need a kmart not another aldi. it would be interesting to know who does the research on store locations and whats needed. we dont need a bunnings on windsor rd at rouse and one on richmond rd at marsden park and one in mc graths hill. and the same applies with coles and woolies and aldi. We have no major department stores except Big W. Target country is lame and doesent have everything the normal Target has. We need a Kmart. KMART KMART
Tania Hoinville: Fantastic - now we won't have to sit in ridiculous traffic to get to Richmond .
Jenny King Exactly it will make food shopping so much easier for us this side of the Bridge.
MJ Bowyer Excellent! They should hopefully break the monopoly Coles has on this side of the river!
Bronwyn Hillebrand: I think it's perfect for an Aldi. And yes, the hawkesbury needs a Kmart.
Simon Parsonage: Yes! No need to cross the river for an ALDI. I think they will do quite well in this location.
Jessica Kulakowski: I think they should rip the ugly building down and start again.
Angela M Wallington: Love the idea....except a Kmart or Target would be good too....
June Muldoon: Great Idea for Aldi. Its crazy that the building has been empty for so long. Give Coles a run for their money at North Richmond. More Jobs, and we wont have to go to Richmond, and battle with traffic getting home. Can hardly wait.
Paula Smith Edmonds: I would prefer Kmart but only if its not a dodgy one like target country!!! And Franklins went broke because they had nothing and their prices were ridiculous!!!!
