Retail and jobs boost
A long awaited major retail development in Warragul, spearheaded by Kmart and a full-line Bunnings warehouse, has the go-ahead after clearing the final approval hurdle.
Spokesperson for developer Troon Group Pty Ltd , Tom McInerney, said it was expected the tender process would get underway in about a fortnight and the aim remained
to have the complex open for business before the end of the year.
The $25 million development is expected to create the equivalent of 300 full time jobs once open.
Baw Baw Shire’s planning department, under its relevant delegation, last week approved the planning application for the 25,240 square metre retail development at the corner of Queen St and Hazel Drive.
Fit-outs to premises could cost another $30 million on top of the $25 million construction.
Council approval followed rezoning of the property from bulky goods to retail by the State Government in August and a council briefing on plans when the application was lodged in October. Bunnings area manager Kianne Namdarian said the new store of about 14,120 square metres would be almost double the size of its current premises in Warragul.
Ms Namdarian said current Bunnings staff would transfer to the new outlet and some additional people would also be recruited.
The development also will accommodate a Kmart department store (6400 square metres), Kmart tyre and auto (319 square metres) and an additional six retail tenancies in premises ranging from 664 to 1618 square metres. Tenants of the six smaller retail spaces have not been confirmed.
There will be about 630 on-site customer car parking spaces.
Industry Capability Network’s Colin Young, who with Troon Group officials, conducted a briefing session last December on opportunities for local trades and services providers to be involved in the development said it was hoped there would be strong interest in tendering for work on the project.
It has always been the intention to involve local suppliers as much as possible, he said.
Mr McInerney said about 150 people were expected to be working on the site each day during construction.
Council leaders enthusiastically welcomed the go-ahead, mayor Mikaela Power describing it as a “fantastic milestone for our community.
“Our local economy will benefit with more spending staying within our shire. This is important to ensure we continue to foster a thriving local economy and provide jobs closer to home.”
“Soon we will have more retail options closer to home and this is good news for people across Baw Baw Shire. As a council we’re committed to supporting our growing community with more innovative retail experiences, a thriving economy and diversification of local jobs,” she said.
Cr Danny Goss said residents have been asking for these large-scale retail outlets for some time.
Shire planning and development director Yasmin Woods said as one of the state’s fastest growing regions, it was exciting to have two iconic retail businesses coming to the shire that would not only provide a wider range of products, but also a range of employment opportunities that will help keep residents here rather than having to commute to other regions.