A $15 million proposal to transform the derelict Dairy Farmer’s site on the corner of Bentinck and Howick streets into a multi-use precinct was lodged with council yesterday.
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The development application proposes the construction of a mixed use facility on the site with 40 self-contained serviced apartments, retail and office space, a gymnasium and a cafe/restaurant.
The developer, Ai Group, has been working on the application for the past six months.
Development manager Jason Capuano was in Bathurst on Saturday to consult with neighbours before submitting the final proposal.
“We feel that the proposal will be great for Bathurst, fixing a site that has many problems for the immediate area and creating jobs and opportunities,” Mr Capuano said.
“The site has been pretty badly vandalised. It’s been poorly maintained for a long time, so it’s a bit of an eyesore.
“We’re pretty keen to get this project moving forward. It’s a great location and there is a fantastic opportunity to put it to good use.”
The plans feature a 1200 square metre apartment block on the southern side of the site, which will offer short to mid-term accommodation aimed at travelling professionals.
Each apartment will boast two or three bedrooms, living areas, a kitchen and bathroom.
Among the other features are provision for a supermarket or other retail outlets, plus 40 car parking spaces and a sub floor-level gymnasium measuring 1400 square metres.
“There will be a bit of everything in there,” Mr Capuano said.
Mr Capuano said the project would incorporate the site’s heritage items, such as old timber trusses.
“The site’s got a long history,” he said.
“The heritage items will be restored and re-used, and the new buildings will be sympathetic to the history of the site.
“We feel its heritage is one of its strongest points and differentiates it from other places.”
Council’s environment and planning director David Shaw said the site had been sitting idle for close to 15 years, adding council was keen to see it developed.
“We’ve had discussions with numerous people about it,” Mr Shaw said. “It’s a difficult site to develop with its heritage implications but it’s not insurmountable.”
Mr Capuano anticipated council would make a decision on the application midway through next year.
“If approved, we’d start on site within three months,” he said.
Mr Capuano said that if all goes to plan the project should be completed in 2014.