90s

1990s Development of Dunsborough Park Shopping Centre by Mike Bibby

In 1994 Mike Bibby purchased the site for what would become the Dunsborough Park Shopping Centre and put together a syndicate to develop 21 strata titled shops.  The syndicate initially comprised George Simpson, Neil Strong (Country Waves), John d’Espeissis and local business people wanting to relocate to bigger premises.

 

Image: This aerial photograph taken in 1993 of Dunsborough town shows the site on the right-hand side (dark green) opposite the hotel.  It was largely a swamp and scrub.  The Coles Supermarket site is the large green area on the left hand side of the photo.

It took two years to get the development approval, mainly due to the obstruction and lack of vision by the Shire planners.

With the help of Peter de Chiera of Dunsborough Real Estate, 21 shops were designed to accommodate a new liquor store for the Zinnaker family, bakery for Ben Tas, surf shop for Neil Strong (Country Waves), Post Office, Tourist Bureau, Video store, a fresh fruit and vegetable shop (the Green Room) and a number of smaller shops.

The architect was Stephen Hoffman and building finally commenced with ZD Constructions in late 1996 with Mike Bibby as the project manager.

 

Image: 1996 the site being cleared.

 

Image: 1996 Photo taken from Dunn Bay Road looking south with the public toilets in the park.

The public toilets were demolished just prior to the completion of the project in early 1998.

 

Image: Developer Mike Bibby leaving the conveniences for the last time.

The project involved creating Seymour Boulevard and re-arranging the parking in Dunn Bay Road.

 

Image: Looking east along Seymour Boulevard Dunsborough Park Shopping Centre under construction.

 

Image: Looking south along Seymour Boulevard at the shopping centre under construction.

 

Image: Looking West along Dunn Bay Road at the shopping centre under construction.

 

Image: Aerial shot of Dunsborough town late 1997

 

Image: Developer Mike Bibby and the first shops opened Easter 1998.

Thanks to Mike for his recolelctions and photos of the development of Dunsborough Park Shopping Centre.

————————————————-

%d bloggers like this: