Woolworths Announces Plans for New West Dapto Supermarket
The rapidly expanding West Dapto region has reached a significant milestone, with retail giant Woolworths confirming plans to establish a supermarket in the area. This development promises to transform local shopping convenience for residents in Horsley and surrounding suburbs.
Addressing Growing Community Needs
Currently, Horsley residents face a substantial commute for their grocery shopping, requiring approximately four kilometres of travel to reach the nearest supermarkets at Dapto Mall. This journey involves accessing both Woolworths and Coles outlets located within the shopping centre complex.
The planned supermarket represents a strategic response to the area's population growth and evolving retail requirements. As West Dapto continues to develop, the demand for accessible shopping facilities has become increasingly apparent to both residents and commercial operators.
Strategic Land Acquisition and Development Vision
In October 2025, Fabcot – Woolworths' dedicated property division – secured a substantial 9.2-hectare parcel of land situated on Bong Bong Road. This strategic acquisition occupies the area between McKelly Street and Hayes Lane, providing ample space for comprehensive retail development.
A Woolworths spokesperson expressed enthusiasm about the project's potential, stating: "We're excited about the vision of the wider precinct and the opportunity to deliver a high-quality retail development for Horsley and surrounding suburbs."
The spokesperson further explained: "We'll be engaging with the local council and community over the coming months before we start preparing a development application." While specific timelines remain undisclosed, this consultation phase represents a crucial step in the planning process.
Comprehensive Retail Development Potential
The substantial land parcel offers possibilities beyond the primary supermarket facility. Industry observers suggest the development could potentially include additional retail offerings, possibly featuring specialty stores such as Dan Murphy's or BWS outlets.
This expansion would build upon Woolworths' established presence throughout the Illawarra region, where the company currently operates eight stores within Wollongong and fourteen across the broader Illawarra area. The most recent addition to their network opened in Calderwood Village during December 2025.
The West Dapto development represents a significant investment in local infrastructure that will provide employment opportunities during construction and operation phases while enhancing shopping convenience for the growing residential community.
