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BULKY GOODS

Generally speaking, South Australia's planning framework is sufficiently flexible to accommodate changes in the retail industry within the hierarchy of centres established by centres policies. However, some existing retail centres have been unable to accommodate the emerging style of outlets known as bulky goods retailing (sometimes also referred to as 'warehouse' or 'big box' retailing). Bulky goods retailers require relatively large sites that are often not available within existing retail centre zones. And, even where sufficiently large centre zone sites exist, it is claimed by retailers that high rentals preclude bulky goods retail developments.

The locational preferences of bulky goods retailers have therefore led to some conflict with regulatory authorities on the basis that retailers do not always desire to locate in centres.

There is therefore a need to identify and adopt balanced policies that do not stifle innovative forms of retail development but at the same time ensure the continuing viability of the significant private and public investments (including transport systems) in existing retail centres. Apart from their economic value, many existing activity centres provide a focus for social and community activities and aspirations, and provide a 'sense of place' unlikely to be achieved by isolated and individual retail outlets that are typical of bulky goods retailing.

Bulky goods retailing has experienced, and still is experiencing, a period of considerable change both nationally and internationally. Perhaps the most significant changes are:

  • the trend towards bulky goods retailers grouping together in large, purpose-built bulky goods centres
  • the emergence of 'category killer' superstores
  • retailers looking to expand both within a city and nationally, once a successful store format has been established. Many of these retailers were not established 20 years ago.

In some overseas markets there has been a trend towards purpose-built bulky goods centres evolving into more of a mixed use retail format which includes non-bulky goods uses. For example, complementary uses such as cafes, clothing retailing, brand direct retailing etc, are locating with bulky goods retailers.

URPS personnel have provided policy and development assessment advice to state and local governments in respect to a range of bulky goods developments, including:

  • appearing before the state's Development Policy and Advisory Committee regarding the introduction of a bulky goods definition within the Development Regulations (2009) for the City of Port Adelaide and Enfield
  • the City of Salisbury, Main North Road, Salisbury Plain Bulky Goods DPA (2009)
  • a study of the impact of proposed bulky goods development on centres, prepared for the City of Salisbury in association with Alistair Tutte (2008)
  • project managing the preparation of the Metropolitan Adelaide Bulky Goods Retail Study for Planning SA (2002) with Alistair Tutte and Colliers International Consulting Services.

Innovation is important to us at URPS. We like to 'push boundaries’ where appropriate. It keeps us on our toes and delivers the best possible outcomes for our clients who have to adapt to constant change. This is why we take such pride in winning PIA Awards – they provide evidence of our success in striving for innovation.

We were delighted to receive a commendation at the PIA SA 2011 Awards for Planning Excellence for the Mount Barker Town Centre Community Engagement Project – our 15th PIA Award/Commendation over the past 9 years.

A genuinely collaborative project, staff from Mount Barker Council worked closely with the URPS team to deliver a range of engagement techniques carefully targeted to the various audiences. According to the awards publication, "the judges were impressed by the extent of the community engagement process and the use of a wide variety of consultation mediums, including social media, a youth ‘walk out and talk out’ session and a series of 'speak out’ sessions".

We were also delighted to celebrate Marcus Rolfe's elevation to the position of Fellow of the Planning Institute of Australia at the Awards evening. The elevation recognises Marcus' ongoing contribution to the planning profession.

URPS Director Nicole Halsey has recently been appointed as a member of the Premier's Climate Change Council and the Board of Renewables SA.

The primary function of the Climate Change Council is to provide independent advice to the Minister for Sustainability and Climate Change about matters related to the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions and adapting to climate change. The Council also takes a leading role in consulting with business, the environment / conservation sector and the wider community on climate change issues.

Key elements of the charter of Renewables SA include:

We look forward to supporting Nicole in these significant roles.

URPS and Natalie Fuller and Associates, together with a team of dedicated staff and volunteers at the City of Salisbury, recently held a "Street Talk" event outside the Len Beadell library for the Salisbury Town Centre Renewal Project.

Over 500 people participated, providing their views on what they like about the Town Centre, what can be improved and how they would like to see it develop in the future.

The Manager Urban Development at the City of Salisbury, Harry Pitrans, described this as a "very successful day for the City of Salisbury", also praising "the opportunity we provided to support the team of engagement volunteers" and our "professionalism and fun during the day".

We would also like to extend our thanks to the engagement team of Brian Pledger, Janine Harding, Jo Lasham, Julie Fyfe, Kate Naumann, Michelle Tucker, Tammie Hamilton and Hiroe Terao.

This type of successful community engagement will have a significant positive impact on the development and delivery of the Town Centre Renewal Project.