SPUDSHED is looking at opening a new shop in O’Connor.

The potato behemoth has canvassed locals and Fremantle city council about adding a wholesale/retail outlet to its Hines Road distribution centre.

“We feel fruit and veg is a little under-represented in the area—Hilton Fresh closing, etc—and are considering an offer that would suit locals as well as restaurants/cafés and other retailers,” says Galati group manager Sindy Goodhew.

The group also bought a warehouse on nearby Clarke Street in December, just off Carrington Street.

Fremantle councillor Sam Wainwright has met with nearby residents concerned about parking and increased traffic.

“This proposed development comes at the same time as growing concerns about increased rat-running, parking pressures and traffic speeds,” he says.  “Also on the horizon are developments within the Hilton town centre precinct, which while welcome in my opinion, will add to these concerns.”

Spudshed hasn’t submitted a development application yet but has letter-boxed the neighbourhood and owner Tony Galati has met with locals.

“We did discuss with residents their traffic issues on Clarke Street,” Ms Goodhew says. “It is important to us to listen to our neighbours who were in general very supportive of a Spudshed wholesale/retail outlet on the site. However, the warehouse has been purchased to support the storage and distribution for our current network of Spudsheds so any use would be incidental to this.”

Mayor Brad Pettitt says the council has met with Spudshed.

by STEPHEN POLLOCK