Bunnings is expanding across Australia. The nearest northern NSW Bunnings stores are located at Inverell, pictured above, Tamworth and Armidale. Narrabri’s would be a ‘smaller format’ store.

The location of the proposed development on Narrabri’s outskirts.

A Development Application for a multi-million dollar retail hardware and building materials development

at Narrabri has been lodged by national chain Bunnings.

The DA, advertised in last Thursday’s Courier, is available for public inspection and comment at Narrabri Shire Council chambers until February 28, and when submissions from the community are received will ultimately be considered by the council.

Depending on the number of submissions, the project might not be tabled until the March or April council meetings.

“We have lodged a development application for a new Bunnings smaller format store in Narrabri,” Bunnings General Manager, Property, Andrew Marks said.

“The proposed site is located on the Newell Highway.

“If approved, the new Bunnings store would represent an investment of over $14 million and span over 5000 square metres with over 160 car parks.

“Bunnings looks forward to working with the relevant authorities throughout the development application process.”

The new store could create over 45 new jobs once open, a Bunnings spokesperson said.

If approved, the project would be Narrabri’s biggest new retail development in decades.

The DA proposes to develop the store on the west side of the highway north of Narrabri.

The product range typically sold at Bunnings includes plants, gardening equipment and supplies, indoor and outdoor lighting, flooring, heating and cooling, hand and power tools, paint, home storage, kitchens and appliances, garden furniture and play equipment, plumbing and electrical products, building supplies and timber.

All these product lines are currently provided and serviced in Narrabri by established local small businesses.

However, proponents of similar large developments in country towns argue that the rise in business activity through an influx of out of town customers builds local business volumes generally.

To order photos from this page click here