PLANS for a $60 million relocation of Bunnings Warehouse could be one step closer when it goes before Wagga City Council next week.
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The draft planning proposal looks to prepare the site at 64 Pearson Street, which fronts the Sturt Highway, for any future expansion.
Bunnings Warehouse acting general manager of property Garry James announced in July the company's desire to move from its current location, on the corner of Dobney and Pearson, to meet a growing demand sparked by the Do-It-Yourself movement.
The new location will be the national retailer's third move since first opening at the Homebase on Hammond Avenue 18 years ago.
In the planning proposal submitted to Wagga council, it states Bunnings Warehouse cannot cater for its projected growth at the existing site and relocating was the preferred option to meet future demand.
"This would ensure Bunnings remains in the local area, providing employment of local residents. Bunnings is a key supplier for the local building and construction industry, which is an important sector in the local community," the proposal said.
The proposed location, which is currently used for the retailing and wholesale of bricks and pavers, was selected for its "considerable size, undeveloped nature and its position at the western gateway" to the city.
From page 25:
The new Bunnings Warehouse development will span over 18,500 square metres of retail, with parking for over 400 cars. The current location is 14,765 square metres and has one less car parking space.
"The planning proposal would facilitate the continued growth of the business premises and activate a site that's significantly under-utilised," the proposal said.
The council's strategic planning coordinator said the planning proposal was found to be reasonable and in the public interest.
He said it will provide opportunities for future development to achieve the most-efficient design outcome.
In other news:
Although the land has a long history of industrial use, a strip of land on the site's northern end is reserved for public recreation.
Councillors will discuss rezoning the land at a meeting on Monday.
Depending on the outcome, the proposal will then be submitted to the state's planning, industry and environment department before returning to council.