Canberra Politician Advocates for Local Retail as Northside Supermarket Set to Close
Deputy Chief Minister Yvette Berry has publicly voiced her apprehension regarding the impending closure of a Woolworths supermarket in Canberra's northern suburbs, sparking a community-led campaign to preserve essential local services.
Supermarket Closure Announced for Late September
The Dunlop Woolworths store located on Lance Hill Avenue in Belconnen is scheduled to shut its doors in late September 2026. Ms Berry confirmed the news through a social media post, where she also shared a petition titled "Save Dunlop Shop community petition." While Woolworths has assured that all staff will be redeployed to other stores, the minister remains troubled by the potential consequences for surrounding areas.
"I am concerned this closure will put even more pressure on Kippax and Charnwood, which are already very busy," Ms Berry stated on Facebook. "Woolworths have said they'll monitor that."
Community Hub at Risk
The supermarket, which is co-located with a BWS bottle shop and situated adjacent to The Coffee Scroll cafe and a playground, has been described by locals as the heart of Dunlop. Residents have expressed dismay at losing what they consider a developing community hub, especially with the ACT Government recently building toilets to support the playground and cafe.
Greens ACT politician Jo Clay, who represents the Ginninderra electorate alongside Ms Berry, has pledged to sign the petition, underscoring cross-party concern for the issue.
Accessibility Concerns for Vulnerable Residents
Many community members highlighted the store's importance for accessibility. The Dunlop Woolworths features ample disability parking and is easier to navigate for older residents, people with mobility challenges, and neurodiverse individuals who find larger supermarkets like Charnwood or Kippax overwhelming.
- One resident noted: "A lot of the older residents in Charnwood prefer to use Dunlop Woolies; it's easier to get a park, especially disability parking, and get help with groceries to your car."
- Another shared: "I used it almost exclusively when I was on crutches; Kippax is a nightmare to get around."
Staff at the store have been praised for assisting customers with transporting groceries and locating items, further cementing its role as a supportive local resource.
Calls for Alternative Retailers and Community Development
Some residents suggested that the area, which has a high concentration of Woolworths stores, might benefit from another brand like Coles or Aldi taking over the site. Others envisioned the space being developed into a broader community asset, potentially including a cafe, pub, pizza joint, and community spaces.
"The Dunlop shops should be being built up, not haemorrhaging further," one Facebook commenter wrote. "To hear that Woolies don't see us as a good investment is pretty depressing. But hoping it just means we get a locally owned grocery store instead!"
Government Support for Future Retailers
In response to queries about private business decisions, Ms Berry emphasized that while companies can assess profitability, the government aims to demonstrate support for existing and potential retailers. "They can, but we want to show them and any potential future retailer that they will have our support," she remarked.
The closure comes amid broader retail challenges in Canberra, with other businesses facing similar pressures. The larger Woolworths Charnwood is a six-minute drive away, while Kippax is seven minutes by car, and Woolworths plans to expand its Hawker Metro store, located ten minutes from Dunlop.
As the September deadline approaches, community efforts to save the Dunlop shop continue, reflecting a broader dialogue about sustaining local amenities in evolving suburban landscapes.
