Australian Unity development of Busselton Central Shopping Centre approved

The planned development and expansion of the Busselton Central Shopping Centre has been approved by Western Australia’s Southern Joint Development Assessment Panel (JDAP).

The shopping centre is owned by the Australian Unity Diversified Property Fund (DPF), an unlisted property fund that invests in retail, office and industrial properties in Australia.

Busselton is about 230 kilometres south-west of Perth. 

Over the five years to June 2013, Busselton has experienced an average annual growth rate of 3.9%, which is significantly higher than the national average of 1.7% over the same period. The residential growth area is also a popular seaside tourist destination and is recognised as one of Western Australia's premier tourist spots and events capital.

Nikki Panagopoulos, property portfolio manager with Australian Unity Real Estate Investment, said JDAP’s approval was a significant milestone.

“This is the first step in developing Busselton’s main shopping centre, increasing in size by 40% to 16,000 sqm. The expansion will include a discount department store, additional specialty shops, and an entertainment precinct with cafes and a restaurant."