Supermarket giant Coles is facing growing demands to clarify its long-term plans for a large, empty block in the heart of Maylands, which has sat unused for almost two decades.
Decades of Delay and Community Frustration
The prominent site on Guildford Road, owned by Coles for 18 years, has remained undeveloped since original proposals for a liquor store were knocked back over a decade ago. The land was previously home to the Cascades Tavern before it was destroyed by fire in the early 2000s.
City of Bayswater deputy mayor Elli Petersen-Pik has publicly criticised the prolonged vacancy, labelling it unjustified and damaging to the town centre. In a social media post, Cr Petersen-Pik stated Coles had announced no alternative uses for the site since its liquor store plan was rejected more than 13 years ago.
Failed Plans and Complex Investigations
According to an Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) inquiry report, Coles initially bought the land intending to build a large-format liquor store. Significant local objections followed, and the company was unsuccessful in a subsequent bid to obtain a liquor licence through the WA Supreme Court.
The ACCC's inquiry, which used the Maylands site as a case study, noted the "complexities" of assessing undeveloped land. It concluded it "did not observe Coles and Woolworths engaging in a deliberate or overarching strategy of land banking."
Cr Petersen-Pik countered that Coles told the ACCC it considered building a "dark store" warehouse for online orders, but claimed no discussions were held with the council and such a use would be prohibited under current planning rules.
Community Calls for Action and Activation
The deputy mayor's post sparked strong reactions from residents, who expressed frustration and suggested solutions. Many called for a quality mixed-use development, with housing, commercial shopfronts, and restaurants.
Others proposed short-term fixes if redevelopment is further delayed, suggesting Coles should at least landscape the area to create a usable community space. Residents argued the ongoing vacancy is actively hindering efforts to create a vibrant town centre.
Federal MP Patrick Gorman said Coles should engage more openly with the community and local government. "It is a reasonable expectation that Coles outline their plans to the local community," he stated, adding he expected to see "good quality housing" in any future proposal.
Coles Responds and Government Stance
A Coles spokesperson strongly rejected the premise that this is an example of land banking, a conclusion echoed by the ACCC. The spokesperson pointed to an IGA store opening opposite the site and a nearby ALDI as evidence of competition.
"Our team are working through possible options for this Maylands site, however there is no further update to share at this stage," the spokesperson said. It is understood Coles has previously assessed selling the site to another large retailer, but the offer was declined.
City of Bayswater CEO Jeremy Edwards noted the city supports activating sites in its town centres but emphasised the land is privately owned. WA Housing Minister John Carey said the State Government's focus is on unlocking housing supply through investment, incentives, and redevelopment of government-owned land.
The future of the key Maylands plot remains uncertain, with the community now looking to the Federal Government to consider the ACCC's recommendations and for Coles to finally provide a clear path forward.
