These are some of the letters residents have written to Woolworths.
Dear Sir/Madam,
Your proposal regarding car parking capacity for the proposed Woolworths development on Erskineville Road is either ludicrously inept or duplicitous and devious. Either way it’s not good.
There are a number of angry, upset residents in Erskineville who feel that their legitimate interests and concerns have been overridden by your proposal, and in particular the lack of appropriate community consultation.
No doubt such objections will be interpreted and ‘spun’ as anti-development. However, I don’t believe this to be the case. The residents of Erskineville are aware that they live in a privileged part of Sydney which has managed to avoid being engulfed by inappropriate and insensitive development. They are understandably keen to preserve the quality of life they have and which the village like atmosphere of Erskineville offers.
We respectfully ask you to place a hold on your development application pending a proper social impact study and broader community consultation than that initially performed. The demands of the Friends of Erskineville deserve to be heard and treated with respect.
We look forward to hearing from you.
Regards
M B & F R
Residents of Erskineville
I'm writing to oppose the planned Woolworths store in Erskineville
Road. I think that a store there will impose an enormous burden on
the surrounding streets. The area is already very heavy with
traffic, and the influx of many shoppers will make it worse.
Delivery vehicles will also take a great toll on the local area.
The nearby Ashmore industrial estate has good access and lots of room
for parking. Couldn't Woolworths look at this far more suitable site?
Yours sincerely
K K
As a long term resident (27 yrs) of Newman street, Newtown I am deeply concerned about this development. The traffic congestion, parking problems and noise in this area have steadily increased making the area more frustrating and unpleasant to live in. I both walk and drive to do my shopping and do not think we need another supermarket, particularly in this location and especially given the other supermarkets or extensions which are being planned.
I am particularly worried about the movement of trucks in an already congested and increasingly noisy area - a family member living in Surry Hills has had many problems with trucks both within and outside curfew times. No they don't stick to their curfew. I have little confidence in Woolworths responding to community concerns if their supermarket is built.
I would like to see an independent social impact and traffic study. I don't think this development is in keeping with the Council's strategic plan for Erskineville village and would like to see a development more sympathetic to the area.
Yours
Sincerely
W S
To Whom It May Concern
I am writing to you as a concerned resident of Erskineville about Woolworths' intention to apply for occupancy of the site in Erskineville on the corner of Erskineville Road and Gowrie Street. I have lodged an objection letter to the City of Sydney Council outlining my strong opposition to the proposed development on the following grounds:
1. Traffic - The streets of Erskineville are already experiencing major traffic congestion, especially in peak hours. A Supermarket development will have a disastrous effect on traffic flow through and around the narrow streets of our suburb.
2. Parking - The provision by the developer to provide 27 car spaces for a Supermarket development of this size is simply ludicrous. The residents are already finding parking outside or even near their homes extremely difficult especially on weekends.
3. Noise pollution in this quiet residential area - the amount of noise the immediate residents will be forced to endure which will be created by delivery trucks accessing the store both inside and outside trading hours, will be excessive. Our research on similarly sized Supermarkets has shown that delivery people often ignore the imposed curfews in order to get their goods delivered as quickly as possible allowing them to move on to the next store. More goods delivered equals more money.
4. The ruination of our village atmosphere. Erskineville is a unique oasis in a bustling city. It has an amazing village atmosphere which, in an inner-city suburb is quite rare. The reason for this wonderful atmosphere and sense of community is largely because of the small businesses, pubs, cafes and restaurants on Erskineville Road which create meeting places for the locals as well as outside visitors. A Supermarket development like Woolworths with its brash lighting and its over-the-top presence will not fit into our village.
The residents of Eskineville are very passionate about their suburb and protecting the village atmosphere from a corporate giant such as Woolworths who have no empathy or understanding of such sensibilites and as a matter of doing every day business quite openly and viciously undercut their competitors often sending businesses bankrupt in the process.
Our area is well serviced by Supermarkets, we neither want your store in our suburb nor do we need it. Should this ridiculously inappropriate development go ahead, you will find very little support in our community and we will do our utmost to ensure the locals do not patronise the store.
Sincerely
M F
I wish to express my concern at the proposed development at the corner of Gowrie Street in Erskineville.
Such a development is totally out of keeping with the newly created Sydney City of Villages and would have a detrimental effect on local small businesses and local residents. You would already be aware of the list of disadvantages of such a proposal and apart from profit for a few, it is difficult to think of any advantages. There are already two other supermarkets within a short walking distance of Erskineville.
A development that is not wanted by a local community is not destined for success. You could check with the Woolworths in Maleny in Queensland. This development went ahead without local approval and is still not supported by locals.
I wish to endorse the outcomes of the community meeting held on Thursday 6 December 2007.
A development of the type being proposed is not only old fashioned, but is out of touch with community wishes.
Sincerely
A Q
Resident of Alexandria
We have been residents in Gowrie street for fifteen years and are very concerned with the planned development for the Hive site for Woolworths.
We have watched with pleasure over the years as the village atmosphere of Erskineville/Newtown has continuously improved. It is a delight coming home through Erskineville, seeing people spilling out onto the pathways, eating and stopping to chat outside the shops, cafes and pubs, especially when the flower boxes are out. The area really has developed a lovely community atmosphere, with small business owners knowing in many cases their customers by name (not to mention their dogs names). A large development such as Woolworths could have a serious impact on some of these businesses that have built up their their business over many years, as well as destroying the overall atmosphere of the area that their demise would bring about.
I can't even begin to imagine the impact of increased traffic, noise and parking problems this site would have not only on the lives of those families living around the site, but also surrounding streets with trucks and extra traffic coming into the area. Not to mention the effect on property prices of those homes in the surrounding streets. If Woolworths had been at the top of the street 15 years ago I never would have bought here.
The very least we would expect for any development would be comprehensive consultation with affected residents/landlords, along with independent traffic, retail and social impact studies. I cannot understand why these studies or consultations have not been undertaken with regard to the present proposal. Instead we get in the mail what seemed to me to be a “propaganda” leaflet from Woolworths.
Please consider the impact on the community. There is already a Woolworths close by, frequented by people in the community where you are able to provide ample parking and little impact on surrounding residents. Don't risk your business reputation by pursuing such a questionable development in a community that as far as I can see really doesn't want or need it.
Yours sincerely
J D
Dear Sir/Madam
As a resident in the Erskineville area I am disappointed with a proposal to develop a new two-storey supermarket in the Erskineville area. This would cause more chaos to residents than it would provide a convenience. It will also destroy the village feel of our community, something which is valued as part of living in the area.
We already have adequate supermarkets in close proximity and do not need another one as it would cause problems with:
• Traffic congestion
• Parking availability
• Discarded shopping trolleys in local streets
• Noise from traffic and trucks
• Viability of local small businesses
These are a few of the major areas of concern.
Currently I do most of my grocery shopping at Woolworths in Marrickville Metro. If the supermarket development goes ahead with any involvement from Woolworths, I for one will transfer my business to one of the other supermarket companies in the local area.
Regards
L B
Harold St
Dear C Buchanan
I am writing this letter to inform you that I am opposed to the development of a two storey supermarket at 21-23 Erskineville Rd. I have expressed this to Sydney City Council because of increased traffic in the local village area, increased pollution (toxicity and noise), lack of parking and road safety.
I understand your organisation will lease the proposed development for a supermarket, as you had not denied it.
Artro Management has claimed that the development application says it will cater for people to buy small amounts. Can I assume that Woolworths will not make available petrol discounts to its customers at this location ? Is this correct?
You may be aware that both Newtown and Erskineville stations do not have disability access. The question of equity of access of all of Woolworth’s customers is of prime importance and your supermarket needs to actively discourage your customers coming by car, catering for “people with small amount of groceries” quoting Artro Management (SMH 15-16 Dec. 2007 p. 7). How does Woolworths plan to overcome this problem?
C S
Rochford St
Erskineville 2043
Just a very short note to say that in the event that Woolworths takes a lease on the Erskineville Road “Hive” site, my family and I will not shop at the establishment, nor any other Woolworths, it's online franchises or associated businesses. We’re very happy to vote with our feet and wallets if your company chooses to blatantly disregard the community’s wishes. As a marketer with 15yrs experience I don’t think Woolworths are doing their brand any favours in being associated with this development. I can only assume that the deafening silence from Woolworths is as good as indicating that the company is poised to impose itself onto the site with the associated impacts. So what’s the plan?
If I wanted to live next to a soulless mall and it’s tenants – I’d choose to reside at Marrickville beside the Metro or in the shadow of the Broadway Centre. I don’t.
I'm alarmed at the impact that siting a supermarket on Erskineville Road will have on resident parking, traffic congestion, security, trolleys dumped in the parks and disrupted amenity to the surrounding streets as a result of the operation of supermarket.
As a local resident I recall the failure of the “Golden Arches” to prosper in Newtown. Those who fail to heed the lessons of history are doomed repeat them.
Your sincerely,
T H & family
Woolworths Customer
To Whom It May Concern:
I’d like to acknowledge that I will be boycotting any Woolworths that is placed in Erskineville Road.
Indeed, I will still continue to shop at Marrickville Metro and will not go to the Woolworths there again if the current DA is successful.
Yours sincerely.
Dr R P
C Buchanan
Please understand that our household will not enter your premises if a supermarket is developed in Erskineville. Hence none of your goods will be bought by us. Erskineville is already well served by supermarkets. We do not want any more of them in this area.
In addition to your redundancy, issues of traffic congestion, noise, air pollution and general nuisance arise.
We hope you will discontinue your pursuit of development in Erskineville.
P K
Rochford St,
Erskineville.
Dear Ms Buchanan
please listen to the residents of Newtown and Erskineville
over 2000 people have signed petitions opposing this development
over 2000 people have registered to receive regular updates on this development
over 200 people turned up to the Community Consultation night and many others had to be turned away due to lack of room. The 5 part motion was passed unanimously by those present.
over 140 already written letters of objection to Mayor Clover Moore and fellow councillors.
Regards
V R
To Whom it may concern
As a concerned resident of Erskineville I feel it necessary to register my feelings about the proposed development on the corner of Erskineville Road and Gowrie Street.
As you are probably aware the fact that we as locals call this area Erskineville Village we would like to keep it feeling like a village and the inclusion of a large supermarket would go a long way to spoiling that.
We already have two supermarkets in King Street and a Woolworths supermarket just ten minutes away in Marrickville Metro and therefore do not see the need for another one in the area.
I also feel concern for the residents of Gowrie Street and Newman Lane who will be subjected to the distruption of a large development and when completed the never ending deliveries by trucks until late at night.
I hope that Woolworths will take all of this into consideration and will not spoil the ambience of this area.
A concerned resident of 24 years.
P V
We do not want a woolworths in our community. Development and gentrification of the city spilling over to the inner west is not welcome. Please re-consider this development.
D P Botany Rd
Waterloo
I am yet enother Erskineville resident who has written to council opposing your development application for the old Mardi Gras workshop site on Erskineville Road.
Not only don't we need the truck and car traffic and consequent road congestion, pollution, parking, safety and noise issues that they bring, we don't even need another supermarket. We're already well served by supermarkets in the area. Where do you think I go to do a big shop? To your store at the Marrickville Metro centre, as do most of the people I know who live in the Newtown, Alexandria, Camperdown and Erskineville area. Opening a store in Erskineville will only decrease the sales at your Metro store. Let's face it, you don't have much of a track record of running commercially viable supermarkets in our area anyway - take a look at the stores you used to have in King St Newtown and Regent St Redfern as great examples.
M F
Morrissey Road
Erskineville
To whom it may concernI am a resident of Erskineville who has recently been
made aware of the DA for a two storey supermarket
complex on Erskineville Road. The residents understand
that Woolworths is planning to open an outlet in the
site.
Please be aware that if this development goes ahead, I
will be boycotting the Woolworths supermarket and will
be encouraging my friends and acquaintances in the
area to do the same.
Sincerely
P H
Dear Sir
As a resident of Alexandria at 00 Copeland Street which is the continuation of Erskinville Road to the east, I strongly object to your proposal for a Woolworth's Supermarket in Erskineville on the following grounds:
Increased traffic on Erskinville Road into an area that has over stretched infrastructure e.g. roads
Not fitting with the Village atmosphere
Damaging Small Business e.g. Mini Market and Deli through increased competition and pricing
There already is enough Supermarkets in adjoining Suburbs
I urge you to reasse your proposal.
Regards
R P
Dear Woolworths,
Your proposed development will forever change the character of our village
and community which is small and vibrant. Myself and many others in the
area moved to Erskineville to enjoy the village atmosphere and escape the
mundane town centres of many other areas. I hope you take the extensive
public opposition to your proposal into account and find somewhere else to
base your development.
Regards,
P K
Hi there,
I'm writing to you to express my opposition to the proposed
supermarket development of the "Hive" building in Erskineville. Our
village is already well served by existing supermarkets, including
the Woolworths at Marrickville Metro, as well as Franklins and
Foodworks on King St. Since people rarely walk very far to the
supermarket, opening a supermarket at the proposed location will
create a traffic and noise nightmare for those who live around it
(this doesn't include me - I live far enough down the next street so
as not to be affected directly). Furthermore, the buying power and
extended trading hours of Woolworths will likely wipe out the
existing convenience store and greengrocer in the village.
Please bear in mind, this isn't necessarily a case of "they don't
want us, so there must be a REALLY good reason why we SHOULD move in"
- most of the down-sides (for residents and other businesses) of
Woolworths moving in are not associated with corresponding up-sides
for Woolworths:
- local area community support, and therefore patronage, is likely to
be very low, since most locals don't actually want the proposed
supermarket
- community opposition and lack of patronage is likely to be a
long-term effect, considering the (typically more informed and aware)
nature of residents (consumers) in this area
- while the proposed supermarket may well bleed off enough support
from the nearby local shops that they go out of business, that is
unlikely to yield enough extra sales volume to have been worthwhile
- the location is poorly served by road infrastructure, so the store
will not be able to draw much patronage from further afield (where
the awareness of and resentment towards the development will
presumably be lower)
Don't get me wrong - I think there is a place for big-chain
supermarkets (otherwise I would not do my regular weekly shopping at
the Marrickville Metro Woolworths) - but Erskineville village is not
such a place. Furthermore, I believe there should be worthwhile
development of that site - just not as Yet Another Supermarket.
Please consider our community, and reconsider your Development Application.
Sincerely,
R D
Union St
Erskineville
Subject: Concern about Over Development in Erskineville
Dear Sir/ Madam,
I write in opposition to Development Application D/2007/1932, address 21-23 Erskineville Road Erskineville NSW 2042.
I have been an Erskineville resident for the last 6 years. Our strip of small businesses provides a great array of goods and services and acts as the hub of our day to day activities. I strongly believe that the presence of one of your supermarkets in our area would lead to the death of our enviable way of life. I implore you to consider withdrawing your DA. From my neighbours, it is clear to me that at the very least, if your plans go ahead, there will be a mass boycott from those living in Erskineville. We have a strong sense of commitment for our wonderful local shop owners, many of whom live in our area. There is also a strong sense of commitment to the owners of the nearby supermarkets in Newtown, both from Erskineville and Newtown residents. We do not need another supermarket.
This would be reason enough although I am also strongly against the presence of all of the service vehicles that would be required, their traffic impacts, noise impacts and environmental impacts. I believe attracting more cars to the already clogged artery of Erskineville Road would increase the safety issues of the area not to mention worsening the pollution caused by all of this traffic. There is no way to deny that people will drive to a supermarket at this location. It is too far from any of the train stations to cart bags of shopping. People will drive. This will further impact traffic problems, pollution and safety issues. The mess that will be created with all of these vehicles trying to enter and exit the lanes around the development is clear.
Finally there is the obvious problem of parking that the DA fails to adequately address. The recommended number of car parking spots will barely suffice for the employees. The increased parking pressure will have a significant impact on the local residents. Local businesses already complain that there is nowhere for their customers to park when they come to Erskineville to use their services.
Yours sincerely,
I F
George Street
Erskineville
Dear Woolworths,
I beg you to please consider an alternative site to the Erskineville village.
I live on the Alexandria side of Erksineville (close to McEvoy St) where there is a complete lack of shops and services. We are in desparate need of a supermarket on our side of Erksineville and I know that there is continual new development in our area that will only strengthen this demand. There is also much more space for large stores and their associated car parks and traffic congestion in and aruond the factories of Alexandria and Waterloo. I love being able to pop into my local shops in the village on the way home from the train, but what we really need is a supermarket on the industrial side of Erksineville.
Surely if you have considered the changing structure of the area you would see that these industrial areas are becoming increasingly populated and will only continue to do so. By putting a supermarket there you would not only service the exisiting residents who currently have to drive to the Metro or Broadway, you would also be servicing the future generations that are certain to continue to fill these areas.
I ask please that you leave what little unique areas - like the Erko village - that Sydney has and look towards a more suitable and future prospective venues that can be found nearby.
Regards,
P E
Dear sir/madam,
I am sending you this email as a resident of the inner west of Sydney
who loves the village atmosphere of suburbs such as Erskineville. I
also happen to be a Woolworths shareholder and a regular shopper at your
stores in Marrickville and Leichhardt.
If you proceed with this development I will seriously consider taking my
business and my money elsewhere.
Australian shareholders are demanding of all corporations that they take
account of the environmental and social impacts of their business
activities. Woolworths is no exception. Ethical investment is proving to
be a highly successful strategy for investors who are increasingly
voting with their dollars to support companies which prove themselves to
be socially and environmentally responsible.
As a shareholder since the Woolworths float, I implore your company not
to build this supermarket in its current proposed form. It spells
disaster for the village of Erskineville just on the traffic and parking
impacts alone.
I note that you used to run the supermarket in Newtown but that it was
sold in the past few years. If you do not want to run a supermarket in
Newtown, why open one in Erskineville?
Please consider very carefully the impacts your current proposal will
have on the local community. If you want this community to support your
business don't destroy it!
Kind Regards
G R
Hi there,
I am definitely opposed of this development.
I do not want the traffic increased here more than it already is.
I definitely oppose the trucks passing in front of my home.
I do not want to have parking issues in front of my home.
I do not want any more noise in this area.
Nobody needs another supermarket in this area! We are surrounded already with them!
Regards,
P
Dear Woolworths,
Please do not develope he Erskineville Road/Angel Street site as a Woolworths. It would pay you to look to the future and instead provide a large Woolworths in Alexandria or Green Square. I do prefer Woolworths to Coles but the Woolworths at Marrickkville is just too busy.
Apparently it will be quite large and threaten the livelihood of our shopkeepers in Erskineville who are all personal friends to the residents by now.
Other problems with the development are the delivery trucks in the narrow one way streets, all the traffic of people coming to shop and the difficulty for local people to park already in front of their hosues as most don't have off-street parking in Erko.
The other problems will be increased litter and shopping trolleys left all over the suburb as our governments still have not worked out how to stop shopping trolleys leaving a shopping centre.
There are still sites in Newtown, which is better served by public transport, for a supermarket.
The historic Hub theatre (my great-aunts worked there in the early 20th century) has never been restored and may as well be a supermarket if it's going to sit there in ruins forever.
Erskineville would be better served by a gym/pool/theatre centre.
R W
Renwick St
Alexandria
(previously Smiths Lane
Erskineville)
I live in Alexandria, the feel in my area is that your company is not welcome
We have a unique suburb and you will be a major negative
Please go way
Thanks,
J Z
Dear C. Buchanan,
I am writing to implore you to reconsider your plan to install a Woolworths on Erskineville Road. The community seem to expend an enormous amount of energy on a regular basis fighting to keep our community a village. Another supermarket will do nothing to help our determination and we will oppose this type of development every step of the way.
I invite you to come down to our end of the woods and walk down Erskineville Road from Newtown Station to Erskineville Station. Please drive here around 5pm so you can experience the traffic congestion and how difficult it is to find parking. But on a positive note and most importantly, when you start walking you will then feel the vibe of our village. It is quite unique in Sydney and many new residents have bought in the area expressly for this charming local and bohemian atmosphere. It is wonderful to stop and have a coffee or drink, and relax and chat to the locals walking by.
I am sure you are well aware that there is a Foodworks and a Franklins within 5 minutes walk from the Hive site and that a third supermarket will simply be overkill. It will cause great resentment and it would not surprise me if the local community boycotted the store.
I am sure there are much better sites and opportunities for Woolworths to expand. Woolworths at Marrickville Metro is already the main supermarket for us locals with a direct bus route. So you will not endear us any further by clogging our already congested roads, endangering our pedestrians with your trucks and taking up our precious parking spaces with your unnecessary plan. Please reconsider your plan immediately.
Kind regards,
S S
Local resident (for 11 years) parent
Dear Sir/Madam
I'm writing to express my concern about the proposed development of a Woolworths store on the corner of Erskineville Road and Gowie Street. My husband and I have owned a house in Erskineville for 3 years now, one of the main reasons that we were attracted to the area was the 'village' aspect. The local cafe's, fruit shop, convenience store, florist and other restaurants add to the flavour of this beautiful little village.
We do all our shopping at Woolworths in Marrickville Metro which is a 5 minute drive from Erskineville, therefore we don't understand the need for another Woolworths in the area. Also opening up another Woolworths store so close to Erskineville village will have a negative impact on small retail business owners in the area. Does Woolworths really want to be responsible for these small business closing down? Apart from the moral issues here, traffic congestion in this area is bad enough, Erskineville Road is a 2 lane road and I can't even imagine the further congestion that will be caused if a Woolworths store was placed into this location.
I could go on about why we are so opposed to Woolworths going into this location, I'm hoping that you understand our concerns and this does not go ahead... and if it does we certainly won't be shopping there. Thank you for your time.
Sincerely,
R H
Ashmore St
Erskineville
Erskineville Village is one of great atmosphere and community spirit. It's small businesses and hotels create a peaceful relaxing environment for the locals and visitors.
This type of village is a rarity in metropolitan areas and should be protected.
I am sure the locals of Newtown and Erskineville are happy to walk/ride/drive a little further down the road to utilise your services, however, if you destroy such a valued area of Erskineville you may find this is not so. As locals there is a great sense of pride for this village and I am certain that if you choose to go ahead there will also be camaraderie in boycotting your business.
Please reconsider this decision. There are enough eyesores and high rises around town. Can we not keep a little bit of community and nostalgia?
K F
Dear Representative of Woolworth’s,
Please exercise some common sense over the proposal to establish a Woolworth complex in Erskineville Village.
According to your own website there are at least six Woolworth stores within 4 kilometres of your proposed site.
The site is totally unsuitable due to:
Lack of easy access to and from the site
The village atmosphere supported by the small businesses in the area
The increase in noise, pollution and congestion your complex will cause
The strenuous resistance from, not only the residents of Erskineville, but also from surrounding areas, which would indicate that not only would they not go to your Erskineville complex but that they may well withdraw their business from Woolworth altogether.
Regards
J Ml
Enmore 2042
(PS this is the same postcode as Newtown)
Dear Sir/ Madam
I am writing with regard to the proposed development of a supermarket on Erskineville Rd.
As a local living in the area (about 500m away), and presumably a member of your target market, I wish to express my dissatisfaction with the proposal. It is ill-thought-out and an obvious grab for profits against both common sense and respect for the neighbourhood.
I will not shop at any supermarket in that vicinity. This is not out of hubris but out of convenience. I currently walk to do local shopping for milk, bread, veggies and small amounts of groceries. This will not change, nor will where I shop for these items. I currently drive my car to a convenient location which is easy to get to and park at when I want to do a major shop. This will not change either. It is much more convenient for me to go to Woolworths at Marrickville, even though it is geographically further away, than any supermarket on Erskineville Rd, as I don’t have to drive round the one-way streets, and don’t have to spend a long time looking for a parking place. On occasion I go to Coles in Broadway as it has a larger range, and again, is easier to get to and park. I could easily go shopping every time to Coles. And would, in preference to a supermarket on Erskineville Rd.
Please take into account the strong feelings of the locals on this matter, and if that doesn’t work, think out your business plan a little more logically.
Thank you for taking the time to read this email.
Regards
S R
To Whom it may concern,
Erskineville Shopping strip is a small village. It has no room for a big super market. On any given day before and after school the traffic on Erskinevilleroad is a crawl - there is one lane to and from Newtown and if you had a store there it would encourage more illegal parking and traffic. The village area is not built to cater for a super market of your proportions. There will be shoppers double parking etc. Your trucks are not made for our small streets and lanes either.
Why don't you put a woolies in an area that needs it like Alexandria and Mascot? The Bunnings store in Mascot/Alexandria could do with a Woolies next door - have you seen how many people use that store? How good would it be to have a supermarket there too? It would certainly make life easier as I would definitely shop at your store if it was there. Otherwise most people in this area use Broadway and Marrickville and by putting in your woolies in Erskineville doesn't mean we are going to use it as you don't have everything else that those malls have.
Another area that requires a big supermarket is near Domain and Goodguys in O'Riorden STreet. Why can't you make shopping easy for us all and put your supermarket in area that really needs it? Not our tiny and much loved village.
We are not going to give up on this fight - there is no one I know who lives here who wants your store here.
Please don't ruin our peaceful village.
kind regards
S O'L
Rochford Street
Erskineville
Dear Sir/Madam
I frequently shop at Woolworths supermarkets but we do not want one in Erskineville. Either it will need to be small, and won't carry a large enough range of products, or it will create too much traffic for Erskineville, where traffic is already far too heavy. Although I live in Alexandria (adjoining suburb) I will continue to use Marrickville Metro as less traffic congestion.
I will continue to do my local, in-between- major-shopping at the local stores in Alexandria and Erskineville. There is a community atmosphere there which I like and Woolworths is not in-keeping with this.
W C
Maddox Street
Alexandria
I live in Morrissey Road, Erskineville and am extremely concerned about your proposed supermarket development currently known as "The Hive" on the corner of Erskineville Road and Gowrie Street, Erskineville. Whether it's called "The Corner Store" or by any other name, I have looked at the entire proposal and its impact on our small village streets will be devastating, not to mention the incongruence of such a development in this small area.
The proposed development will forever change the character of our village and community which is vibrant but small, with current traffic congestion in peak times and existing competition over car spaces. Our community could not sustain a development such as that which is proposed. The impact in terms of additional traffic, the noise factor in a very contained area with narrow streets, and pressure on car parking would be untenable.
This development is also unwanted because of the extent of access our community already has to surrounding supermarkets and major retail outlets. Just up the street are Franklin's and IGA on King St, Marrickville Shopping Centre is within walking distance, and Broadway and Baptist St. Surry Hills are close by.
There are many other associated factors which make this proposal so unacceptable in Erskineville. Perhaps the one that is most difficult to comprehend is how any responsible major retail group can set up where a community strongly opposes it and demonstrate complete irresponsibility with regard to the suitability of the location and the detrimental environmental impact on the community.
I implore you to walk away from your planned development in Erskineville. I happily shop at Woolworth's in Marrickville as do many around me, but will not shop at Woolworth's again if you proceed to destroy our village vibrancy, attraction and sustainability.
Yours sincerely
B C
Dear Woolworths
As a resident of Erskineville I am unimpressed with the DA presently with council for a two storey supermarket on Erskineville Rd. Even though the DA does not state it would be used for Woolworths, everyone anticipates that it would be the same set up as St. Margarets Bourke St, Surry Hills and Macley St, Potts Point. Erskineville and most importantly, Erskineville Rd. is not as densely populated as the other two areas and Erskineville Rd is already at breaking point with traffic. I presently support BWS on Erskineville Rd and shop at Woolworth’s at Marrickville Metro but I will not support a Woolworth’s Supermarket or any Supermarket in that location.
There is a very active community group who will NOT support this proposal for variety of reasons such as:
We have plenty of supermarkets in our area already, why do we need another one? Erskineville is all ready well served by 5 supermarkets, Erskineville Supermarket, Franklins and Food Works in King Street, Broadway Shopping Centre and Marrickville Metro.
Erskineville does not have the density of population like Macley St in Potts Point our Bourke St in Surry Hills, nor are the streets set up in the same manner i.e.: accessible. We are not comparing apples with apples.
I object to the increased traffic from delivery trucks, garbage trucks and shoppers. Much of this environmental disturbance will occur seven days a week but especially outside of normal 'business hours' and will impact on residents ability to enjoy the amenities of the village. I object to the economic impact on small and local businesses, many of whom have worked hard for many years to build good service networks with residents and to support local institutions like pre-schools the elementary school and churches. We in Erskineville support these people as they have supported us!!
Regards
W B
Very disappointing to see the Woolworths chain proposing an outlet in such an inappropriate & totally unsuitable location – its crazy. I actually wonder has anyone from Woolworths walked our narrow streets. Taken the time to talk to the residents?
I do not want or need this supermarket. It is not going to benefit the community; it is not going to make the residents lives easier. No good will come out of opening here & I quite simply can not see any positives to this proposal.
Please do not open here; this is not a development that is going to make Erskineville a better or safer place to live.
Regards
D D
We are a young family living in Erskineville and have done so for the past 14 years. We are concerned and frankly appalled at this proposal for a Woolworths supermarket in our village. With an IGA in King Street, and another supermarket at the top of Newman Street, Coles and Woolworths within an easy 5 minute drive, a supermarket is definitely not needed. In addition and most importantly, a supermarket would change the feel of the village, which is a major asset to our community. We have several local small business which are well supported within our village and the addition of a large supermarket would have an impact on the small businesses that operate within our village.
For the residents around the proposed site, the high traffic plus parking issues would generate a huge problem, I know parking is to be provided but of course this will never be sufficient and will lead to increased parking on the streets around the site. In addition, the delivery trucks will cause additional pressure on the surrounding streets and will cause disturbance to local residents.
The majority of residents we have spoken to in our area are strongly opposed to this development and we hope you consider the residents in this application.
Regards
N & M
Ms Buchanan,
I write to you as a resident of Newtown. I understand that Woolworths is considering leasing premises along Erskineville Road, Erskineville.
As you may be aware, the DA for this development is currently before the City of Sydney. The City of Sydney is a city of villages, of which Erskineville is just one of those. The community does not want this development. It does not need or want another shopping centre. I ask that you come down to Erskineville and walk around, walk around and experience the village atmosphere, the small family shops along Erskineville Road, visit the small parks, walk the narrow streets, have a coffee at one of the many cafes, have some of the best Thai in Sydney but please don’t drive as parking is difficult.
Parking is critically short and the proposed development will see an unwelcome increase in not only cars trying to find a parking spot but also delivery trucks and semis negotiating narrow streets.
If the development proceeds rest assured that my family and I will never set foot in your store. We may well boycott all Woolworth and affiliated stores (Big W, Dick Smith, Tandy, BSW, Dan Murphy, Caltex).
G & G & R
Wilson Street
Newtown
Woolworths
These issues arise in addition to my previous remarks which oppose the proposed supermarket development in Erskineville Road on grounds of traffic congestion, toxic fumes, noise and road danger. My further concerns are about disability discrimination and encouraging repeated exposure to chemicals.
Disability Discrimination
How does Woolworths propose to ensure equity in a supermarket designed to encourage rail rather than car usage? Discrimination issues arise. Neither Newtown nor Erskineville Station provides access for people with mobility difficulties and disabilities. The supermarket development as proposed would aggravate the inequity which already exists.
Repeated exposure to chemicals
How does Woolworths propose to ensure shoppers do not suffer sicknesses caused by their encouraging increased repetitions of exposure to pesticides and other chemicals used in their shop?
In light of these concerns I vigorously oppose the proposed supermarket development in Erskineville Road.
P K ,
Rochford Street,
Erskineville
please do not follow through with another supermarket & ruin our lovely area of erskineville. i always shop at woolworths at the metro & will keep doing so as there is so much parking & has easy access to other shops. our narrow streets will not welcome your large trucks & you will desroy the small shops of erko. please just stick with what you have or expand into areas of greater population growth., XXXX a happy & proud resident of erko!!!
Dear Sir/Madam,
Your proposal regarding car parking capacity for the proposed Woolworths development on Erskineville Road is either ludicrously inept or duplicitous and devious. Either way it’s not good.
There are a number of angry, upset residents in Erskineville who feel that their legitimate interests and concerns have been overridden by your proposal, and in particular the lack of appropriate community consultation.
No doubt such objections will be interpreted and ‘spun’ as anti-development. However, I don’t believe this to be the case. The residents of Erskineville are aware that they live in a privileged part of Sydney which has managed to avoid being engulfed by inappropriate and insensitive development. They are understandably keen to preserve the quality of life they have and which the village like atmosphere of Erskineville offers.
We respectfully ask you to place a hold on your development application pending a proper social impact study and broader community consultation than that initially performed. The demands of the Friends of Erskineville deserve to be heard and treated with respect.
We look forward to hearing from you.
Regards
M B and F R
Residents of Erskineville
I strongly object to the proposed Woolworths Development in Erskineville/Newtown.
Roads and laneways in the vicinity of the proposed Woolworths development will not be able to handle the added congestion, without completely disrupting the accessibility for residents, as well as the peaceful surrounds that make this such a unique community to live in. There are several other grocery outlets both within walking and driving distance - Woolworths brings nothing unique or different, just more of the same. The traffic on Erskineville Rd can be bad enough at peak times, without the added pressure from yet ANOTHER grocery store. Parking can be difficult enough for residents as it is. I am strongly opposed to this development.
Yours Sincerely
D H
12 December 2007
Re: DA Notification: D/2007/1932, 21-23 Erskineville Road NEWTOWN NSW 2042
Dear Woolworths,
I refer to the above DA notification.
As a local citizen, I am writing to state my strong objection to the proposed development. Council and Woolworths should not underestimate the community protest about this, the need for proper consultation and impact studies regarding the proposed development.
There are various reasons for my objection, including:
1) the adverse effect on traffic on Erskineville Road
2) the potential destruction of the village atmosphere of Erskineville
3) the detrimental effect on local business (eg., grocer on Erskineville Rd)
4) the lack of need for such a supermarket as part of the development mix of the area – Marrickville Metro and Newtown IGA are very close by
d) the serious lack of adequate parking for the development and the parking nightmare it will create for local residents and supermarket shoppers
I urge Council and Woolowrths to reject the proposed development.
Why not have a professional offices, apartment, health centre or art gallery instead which will ENHANCE the area rather than destroy it?
Kind Regards,
S L L
I write to express my disapproval of your organisation coming to Erskineville … the roads will not cope nor will the local village shops. Please think of another venue.
P F
Dear Woolworths,
I'm writing as a resident of Erskineville to advise that if Woolworths place a supermarket on the site corner of Gowrie St and Erskineville Rd that my family and I will not be shopping there. Furthermore we will no longer shop at Woolworths at Marrickville Metro but will instead go to Coles at Broadway.
However, if Woolworths decided to develop a shopping centre in Alexandria that was well serviced by roads with a larger premises ensuring a good range of items, I will be more than happy to utilise those facilities. Surely such a development would be better placed near the filing cabinet apartment blocks near Mitchell St/Sydney Park?
A supermarket on the proposed site seems ludicrous and I can't really believe that this proposal has been seriously thought out rather than just be a quick money grab by the owner/developers of the site.
Please hear the voices of concerned citizens and consider placing a supermarket where it would be more feasible and in keeping with the surrounding neighbourhood rather than cramming a supermarket in a space which is totally inappropriate.
Many thanks,
J M
Gowrie St
Newtown