Look who's coming

Bunnings’ $10m goods centre development to revitalise Newman Street

Written by SALLY EVANS. (Wangaratta Chronicle: 4 Feb 09)

BUNNINGS Warehouse is leading the charge on a new multi-million dollar bulky goods centre to be built in Wangaratta.

Plans for a 5000sqm Bunnings outlet, and three other major stores, have been unveiled for 1.9 hectares on the corner of Newman Street and Tone Road.

The hardware store is set to create between 50 and 60 jobs and to draw other major retailers such as The Good Guys and Office Works.

Bunnings chief operating officer, Peter Davis, said the company’s development represents an investment of over $10 million.

"We’ve had a long term commitment to having a strong presence in Wangaratta and we are pleased that we have finally found a suitable site," he said in a statement.

Rural City of Wangaratta council’s economic development manager, Graham Nickless, said a planning application lodged for the centre this week follows six years of trying to attract the national hardware giant to the rural city.

He said a retail audit in 2002 found a gap in retailers offering bulky goods, and a review last year reinforced the need for more hardware outlets in particular.

"It is fantastic to have investment of this type, and at this time with the global economy the way it is," Mr Nickless said.

"It sends a strong message that Wangaratta is a good place to do business."

Work is under way to clear the site, currently occupied by Francis Transport, in preparation for the bulky goods centre.

It is located next to 4.5 hectares of land that Mr Nickless said could be further developed for other major outlets.

"It’s going to revitalise that area which has been pretty run down for a while," he said.

"There will be some enhancement for Newman Street and a bit of a fill up for businesses already there.

"It’s a fantastic outcome for that area."