Developments within Narrabri Shire keep rolling in to council for approval, with plans now lodged for a variety of projects ranging from a $4.5 million petrol station redevelopment to teacher housing.
The proposals come after Narrabri Shire Council revealed it had assessed $29.5 million in developments in the financial year to March, a staggering increase on the previous financial year.
One of the proposals will see the Shell petrol station, located on the Newell Highway on the outskirts of town, redeveloped as part of an estimated $4.5 million reconstruction.
The demolition of the existing buildings and structures is estimated to cost $500,000.
In its application to redevelop the site, the project’s proponent, The Thistle Company of Australia, proposes to build a new 24-hour highway service centre.
The centre would include a travel centre with a shop, restaurant with indoor and outdoor dining areas, amenities as well as increased parking for cars and trucks.
“The proposed development will continue to attract passing vehicles from the Newell Highway; however, site improvements are expected to result in an extended stay,” the development application reads.
In another development, plans for teacher housing at a site at 35E Nandewar Street have been lodged.
Three units would be constructed at the site for the Teacher Housing Authority.
In a separate application, an additional three units would also be developed at 35B Nandewar Street.
Narrabri Shire Council general manager, Stewart Todd, said with more than $7.5 billion of State Significant Developments planned over the next seven years in the shire, the current surge of a variety of diverse development applications is not surprising and shows the moment council has been preparing for has arrived.
“Not only are we seeing confidence from private investors looking to capitalise on the growth of Narrabri Shire, the confidence is being shown by both levels of government with a total of $24 million being invested in the past 12 months for the development of the council-led Northern NSW Inland Port,” he said.
“The announcement of the Narrabri Special Activation Precinct in late 2020 has also sparked additional interest from investors wanting to be a part of this period of significant growth and prosperity.
“Council is ready to do the heavy lifting and is looking forward to welcoming continued interest in development across the shire.”
Mr Todd said it is anticipated that council will reach $50 million of approved developments by the end of the financial year which is a fantastic result that outshines previous recent years.
Mayor Ron Campbell echoed similar sentiments to Mr Todd and said council has been conscious for quite some time of the expected growth and opportunity that the shire is on the verge of.
“I am confident through the many key strategic planning documents council has recently completed such as the Growth Management Strategy and Local Strategic Planning Statement; that council is ensuring this growth is facilitated,” Cr Campbell said.
“The diversity in the recent applications council has received see developments ranging from a hotel, short-term accommodation, long-term
accommodation and a 24-hour service station redevelopment, along with the already approved Bunnings development, all point to confidence and growth within the shire.
“The surge in the wide range of development applications in the past year gives assurance that the strategies and planning that has been happening in the background are strongly driving our shire forward.”
A concept design of the proposed Newell Highway petrol station redevelopment.
Read more stories like this:
- $29.5m in applications assessed by council
- New business development enquiries now in double digits says council
- Bunnings’ development application approved by Narrabri Shire Council
