We, the undersigned, call on Blue Mountains City Council to support — and on the Sydney Western City Planning Panel to approve — the proposed Woolworths development on the currently abandoned IGA site in Springwood, NSW.

Springwood is a vibrant town with a population comparable to Katoomba, yet it lacks access to the same level of retail infrastructure and convenience. The current site is an eyesore — a long-vacant IGA building that detracts from the character and appeal of the town centre.

The proposed Woolworths store offers an opportunity to:

- Revitalise a neglected site with high-quality retail and public amenity;
- Create local jobs and boost economic activity;
- Provide greater shopping convenience and product availability for residents, especially seniors and those without easy transport;
- Reduce the need to travel to other towns for everyday essentials.

We understand that Council has expressed concerns about design excellence and heritage character. However, we believe these concerns can be addressed through thoughtful design review — and should not outweigh the broader public benefit of replacing a derelict lot with a vibrant, functioning community space.

Some concerns have been raised about increased congestion and freight traffic. However, these concerns may be overstated. Supermarkets of this size typically receive only 2–4 truck deliveries per day, usually scheduled outside of peak traffic hours. In contrast, clusters of small shops, such as those along Macquarie Road, generate significantly more light vehicle freight and customer traffic throughout the day.

While Council’s recommendation holds influence, the final decision lies with the Sydney Western City Planning Panel. We respectfully urge both bodies to recognise the overwhelming community benefit this development represents.

It’s time to replace a dead zone in the heart of Springwood with a much-needed investment in our town’s future.

Let’s turn neglect into renewal. Support the Woolworths development.