The first stage of a major redevelopment of Dianella Plaza Shopping Centre has been unveiled, with a $35 million plan to revitalise the precinct now officially lodged.
The owners, Greenpool Capital, are planning to demolish a significant portion of the existing Coles and build a brand-new, modern supermarket at the south-west end of the centre’s site, adjacent to Grand Promenade.
If approved, the project would represent the biggest changes to the centre since it was upgraded in the late 1980s.
The proposed upgrades in the first stage also include plans for 4,956sqm of new retail space within the existing plaza’s footprint, alongside upgraded landscaping and new parking.
The shopping centre is located at the busy intersection of Alexander Drive and Grand Promenade; however, developers believe the current layout underutilises its street exposure.
Camera IconConcept images of the proposed redevelopment of Dianella Plaza Credit: Supplied
According to the proposal, stage one of the project aims to establish a new interface with Grand Promenade and create a more pedestrian-friendly site layout, setting the foundations for a “broader revitalisation” of the shopping centre and “future mixed-use and public realm improvements.”
“Stage one of the Dianella Shopping Centre redevelopment aspires to deliver a high-quality redevelopment of the centre that will support the revitalisation and modernisation of the Dianella Plaza Precinct,” the development application stated.
“By refreshing the anchor fresh food precinct, Dianella Plaza will become a destination that will grow and evolve with the needs of the community.”
With minimal interaction with the surrounding streetscapes, the developers believe the centre is currently too “inward focused”, so the major redevelopment is intended to improve its street presence and visibility.
Camera IconIf approved, the redevelopment would represent the biggest changes to the centre in nearly 40 years. Credit: Supplied
“The relocation of the Coles tenancy creates the opportunity to repurpose this section of the site and redefine the movement patterns and wayfinding connections into the shopping centre,” they said.
“This relocation will allow for greater pedestrian movement throughout Dianella Plaza that will contribute towards broader goals of the precinct’s revitalisation as a key District Centre.”
Opening in 1968, Dianella Plaza is nearly 60 years old.
Perth-based funds manager Greenpool Capital purchased the shopping centre in late 2023 for $76.25 million.
Camera IconA site plan of the proposed upgrades to Dianella Plaza Shopping Centre. Credit: Supplied
In addition to Coles, the centre is home to Woolworths, BWS and The Reject Shop, as well as more than 45 specialty stores.
Under the current proposal, parking at the centre is expected to increase by 23 bays once complete, bringing the total to 938 bays.
The developers plan to retain the existing Coles roof structure and repurpose it for undercroft parking.
Public consultation on the redevelopment proposal is now open through the City of Stirling until May 30.
The application will then be determined by the Metro Inner Development Assessment Panel at a later date.