Silverwater. ACCC queries takeover

The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission has raised concerns over the planned $215 million acquisition by Metacash, based at Silverwater, of its rival Franklins. TheACCC said the deal was likely to result in less competition for the supply of packaged groceries to independent retailers in NSW. It has called for industry submissions on the takeover. Metcash's chief executive, Andrew Reitzer, has stated previously that the deal would increase competition in the grocery market because Metcash plans to sell Franklins' 85 supermarkets to independent retailers trading under its IGA banner. The ACCC has deferred its final decision on the takeover until November 11.

Parramatta. DA approved for CBD project

Parramatta City Council has approved a DA for alterations and additions to a commercial building, on the north west corner of George and Church streets, in the Parramatta CBD, including the construction of a 4- storey addition fronting Free Masons Arms Lane.

Edmondson Park. First land release

Landcom will conduct the first new land release at Edmondson Park on September 25. The Minister for Planning, Tony Kelly said that the new development, Talana, is the first residential land release in Edmondson Park. “Talana in Edmondson Park will provide an initial 170 lots and with nearly 70 percent of the lots being sold under the Australian Government Housing Affordability Fund which provides buyers with a $17,000 rebate. Landcom’s investment in infrastructure has the potential to unlock up to 1200 home sites the provision transport and road works being developed for this area”, he said.

Penrith. LEP stage one approved

The NSW Government has approved the first stage of a new Penrith local environmental plan, which sets out the vision for the St Marys town centre and updates existing plans which date back 42 years. The LEP reflects a significant body of strategic planning work undertaken by Penrith City Council in the past few years, including strategies for rural lands; employment planning; St Marys town centre; and heritage. Stage two of the LEP will address existing and proposed future residential areas.

St Marys. Boost for town centre

The Minister for Planning, Tony Kelly, who has approved the first stage of a new Penrith local environmental plan, said it seeks to implement Penrith City Council’s vision for St Marys Town Centre, by supporting additional retail, commercial and residential space within the existing town centre boundaries “It will assist St Marys to become a more vibrant, active town centre, in line with the government’s Metropolitan Strategy vision to build the role of such centres,” he said.

Merrylands. South Australian investor

A South Australian investor has bought a 939 square-metre property tenanted by Primary Health Care subsidiary, Idameneo, in Pitt Street, Merrylands, for $3.65 million. Ray White Commercial Parramatta brokered the deal.

Warrick Fram. EOI in hotel site

Jones Lang LaSalle Hotels has called for expressions of interest in a 33,654-square-metre property including three lots to be sold individually on the Sunnybrook Hotel site: Lot 1 – new licensed hotel and Asian restaurant with DA approval; lot 2 – function complex currently leased to an event operator; and lot 3 – hotel with 141 guest rooms, swimming pool, restaurant and car park.

Parramatta. Turning the first sod

Parramatta Lord Mayor, Paul Garrard expects the first sod to be turned on the $1.6 billion Civic Place redevelopment in seven months, according to a Parramatta Advertiser report detailing his activities during his term as the city’s civic leader; he will not stand for election on September 29. A sign that work on the project is imminent is the closure of the council employees' car park facing Smith Street. Employees now use the Wentworth Car Park.

Parramatta. YWCA may sell property

The Young Women’s Christian Association NSW, a non-government organisation, proposes to sell its property in Campbell Street, in the Parramatta CBD. The site includes four demountable buildings. YWCA directors will seek approval from its members in October.