Major $35m plans to revitalise Dianella Plaza shopping centre unveiled
The first phase of a major redevelopment of the Dianella Plaza Shopping Center has been announced, with a $35 million plan to revitalize the area now officially submitted.
Owners Greenpool Capital plan to demolish a significant part of the existing Coles and build a brand new, modern supermarket at the south-west end of the centre, adjacent to the Grand Promenade.
If approved, the project would represent the biggest changes to the center since improvements in the late 1980s.
The improvements proposed in the first phase include plans for 4,956 square meters of new retail space within the footprint of the existing plaza, as well as improved landscaping and new parking.
The shopping center is located at the busy intersection of Alexander Drive and Grand Promenade; however, developers believe the current layout does not make adequate use of the street view.
Phase one of the project aims to create a new interface with the Grand Promenade and create a more pedestrian-friendly site layout, laying the foundations for a “broader revitalization” of the shopping center and “future mixed-use and public realm improvements,” according to the proposal.
“Phase one of the redevelopment of the Dianella Shopping Center aims to deliver a high-quality redevelopment of the centre, which will support the revitalization and modernization of the Dianella Plaza District,” the development application said.
“By renewing the Çapa fresh food district, Dianella Plaza will become a destination that will grow and develop with the needs of the community.”
Developers believe the center is currently too “inwardly focused”, with minimal interaction with surrounding streetscapes, so the major redevelopment aims to improve the presence and visibility of the street.
“The relocation of the Coles tenancy creates the opportunity to reuse this part of the site and redefine movement patterns and wayfinding connections within the shopping centre,” they said.
“This relocation will allow for greater pedestrian movement across Dianella Plaza, contributing to the wider aims of reviving the area as a major Regional Centre.”
Opened in 1968, Dianella Plaza is almost 60 years old.
Perth-based fund manager Greenpool Capital bought the shopping center in late 2023 for $76.25 million.
As well as Coles, the center is also home to Woolworths, BWS and The Reject Shop, as well as more than 45 specialty stores.
According to the current proposal, the car park in the center is expected to increase by 23 spaces when completed, reaching a total of 938 spaces.
Developers plan to retain the existing Coles roof structure and reuse it as underground car parking.
Public consultations on the redevelopment proposal are now open through the City of Stirling until May 30.
The application will be determined by the Metro Internal Development Review Panel at a later date.
