A $27.9 million development project to transform the historic Murrumbidgee Mill site has officially been approved.
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It comes after months of speculation surrounding the site’s future.
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The development application, which includes a 156-room hotel, a function centre fit to accommodate 200 persons, and commercial premises, was tabled before the Southern Joint Regional Planning Panel on Tuesday, February 20 for final approval.
During deliberations, panel member Mark Grayson considered the application ‘significant’ for the Wagga region and deemed proposed alterations ‘minor and reasonable’ while fellow member John Griffin delivered a full endorsement of the proposal.
Wagga City councillor Rod Kendall also voiced his support, stating the applicant’s enthusiasm “indicated confidence in Wagga’s ability to continue to grow and service” major developments.
“This is a high quality applications and it will showcase our city as a growing city,” he said.
The application was passed unanimously, drawing smiles from the project’s senior members, all of whom were in attendance.
A relieved senior project planner Michael Stokes took the opportunity to thank council for collaborating on a major development project.
“It’s very exciting and we’re very pleased,” he said.
“It’s really important to understand the amount of work council has put in to make sure that we knew what we needed to do to make this plan work.”
Mr Stokes said the opportunity to work at the heritage site was a major drawcard.
“It’s about creating a space where people want to be and this is a key location in Wagga,” he said.
“Of course, a major focus will be retaining the site’s heritage.
“I’ve been involved in maybe 15 heritage developments, but this is one of the best I’ve ever seen.”
It’s still early days and more certification is required before shovels can be put in the ground.
“Process wise, we have to get a construction certificate within two months … but I would suggest that by early May, the excavation will be well and truly underway,” Mr Stokes said.
“Our aim is building works are completed by November or December in 2019 and that the hotel will be opening in March 2020.
“We’re also working on the commercial premises and will begin advertising soon.”