Spudshed Geraldton closer than expected as development application set to be lodged in six weeks

A plan to bring bargain groceries to the Mid West could materialise sooner than expected, with a development application for Spudshed Geraldton set to be lodged in six weeks.

In early 2023, spud king Tony Galati revealed the next regional Spudshed would “probably” be in Geraldton and envisaged it would be open by mid-2024.

On Thursday morning, Vital Property Group development manager Mike Fitzgerald confirmed the grocery giant had signed a lease, and were finalising details of the development application.

“We’re engaged with the builders and contractors so once everything is approved, we will be able to start earthworks,” Mr Fitzgerald said.

Confidence in the approval of the development application is high, he added.

“There isn’t any doubts in terms of it being granted. Council put in a request for some more info and we gave it to them so they’re pretty happy with everything,” Mr Fitzgerald said.

The site will be transformed into a new HomePort centre, which Mr Fitzgerald has previously said will be suited to bulk goods retailers.

Mr Fitzgerald has been in contact with prospective tenants, and witnessed the excitement for the development of local retail.

The site is located in Woorree, home to the former old Ridge Cafe, and Spudshed will be the main tenant for the new complex.

Civil designs have been completed to a level necessary to submit to the council, as well as an application to the WA Planning Commission for subdivision approval to bring on the nine large lots being sold by ActiveWest Real Estate.