Bunnings has won approval to build on the old Keperra quarry site in Brisbane. It has permission to build a 17,770m2 store on the old quarry site alongside a shopping complex, restaurants, a fitness centre and car parking.
Residents and local businesses had raised concerns about the environmental and traffic impacts of the store, arguing it could drive other hardware operators broke.
The approval comes two months after Queensland Premier Campbell Newman wrote to Brisbane Lord Mayor Graham Quirk to express his ?concerns? about the proposal.
There were 120 objections from neighbouring residents and businesses that claimed the proposal contravened the Enoggera District Plan and argued it would be an overdevelopment of the site. The Enoggera District Plan requested the site be used for low density integrated housing or childcare services.
However, Brisbane City Council Development Assessment chairman Councillor Amanda Cooper said the latest permission to proceed was consistent with a previous approval granted on the quarry site in 2007 for a shopping complex. Cooper added the project would create 500 construction jobs, 400 retail jobs and would bring $40 million of investment to the area.
?We’ve been working with the Brisbane City Council on this project to address residents’ concerns and we will continue to liaise closely through the development process,? Bunnings managing director John Gillam said.
Major road works required
Developer Brookfield Multiplex will be required to widen Enoggera?s main strip Settlement Road to four lanes and install a four way signalled intersection at Settlement Road and Mungarie Street.
Cr Cooper said council economic impact studies found most of the outlets’ customers would come to the centre from neighbouring Ferny Grove, Upper Kedron and Keperra, as well as Ferny Hills and Arana Hills. The council’s study found impacts on existing businesses were ?anticipated to be minimal?.
Sources: The Australian, The Brisbane Times