Retail plans outlined
Future development plans for Warragul’s former Bonlac site have been laid on the table with Baw Baw Shire.
New chief executive officer Alison Leighton last week met factory site owner Warren Turner to discuss the site’s current status and future plans.
“Sketch plans” outlining options including a car park, retail and commercial space, bulky goods and residential were presented at the meeting.
The sketches outlined potential options for development of the site which extends from Queen St and north along Gladstone St.
Council confirmed there was no planning application on the table but Mr Turner discussed ideas for the site.
Planning and economic development director Matthew Cripps and planning officers from the state government planning “flying squad” also attended the meeting.
A court order on the site currently requires the property owners, Warren and Diane Turner, to complete stage one demolition works on the site by November 8.
They are scheduled to re-appear at Latrobe Valley Magistrates’ Court on November 22 if the works are not completed.
Ms Leighton said she was pleased to meet with Mr Turner to clarify the current status of the site and confirm the next steps required to move forward with the site.
“I understand there has been some confusion amongst the community in regards to the current status of this site.
“I can confirm that there is no planning application currently lodged with council in relation to the development of the Bonlac site.
“Council is continuing to work closely with the site’s key stakeholders to keep things moving forward and help facilitate a resolution.”
Ms Leighton acknowledged council officers for the immense body of work already undertaken to work towards a positive outcome at this site.
“Often development matters involve many complexities and I applaud the great work being done behind the scenes to reach a resolution,” she said.
Mr Cripps said Mr Turner had presented “preliminary concept sketch plans” that provided details of how the site could be developed.
“The plans provide spatial details for a basement or subfloor car park, retail and bulky goods floor space, commercial and residential land uses. In addition, elevations that articulate the basic form of the potential building have been developed.
“These plans have enabled the relevant parties to provide preliminary feedback in relation to areas in which the concept would need to be refined or modified to respond to planning requirements and design expectations,” Mr Cripps said.
Signs being hung at businesses around Warragul, and positioned on the back of a utility in the central business district, have indicated it was council hindering development on the site.
“For almost 10 years, council has unashamedly deprived the local community of a multi-level mall shopping centre featuring undercover parking,” the sign states.
Shire officers will continue to meet with Mr Turner and local representatives from Department Environment, Land, Water, and Planning and the Victorian Government Architect to further progress the matter.