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.