ONE of the last remaining vacant blocks of land on Stewart Street is in the process of being transformed into a tile showroom and office space.
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The former BP Service Station and La Porchetta restaurant have been bulldozed and a $2.5-$3 million development near the intersection of Rocket Street is underway.
It’s a show of faith in the local economy by local entrepreneurs Matt Sharwood and Dave Browning with the team from Hines Constructions taking on the project.
Richard Denyer from Bathurst Regional Council’s town planning department said a major hurdle the developers had to overcome was the fact the site runs above Jordan Creek, which is now piped.
“That basically meant the building couldn’t be constructed over the line of the creek,” he said.
“The development application notes there will be a Beaumont Tile showroom on the ground floor with office space on the first floor.”
Mr Sharwood said they hope to have the development completed by October.
“The Beaumont Tile showroom takes up the ground floor and I will be relocating my accountancy business, Complete Business Partners, into some of the upstairs office space,” he said.
“It’s been a real challenge though with that site because of the complex planning issues associated with the creek.
“However, the architects came up with a great site plan which resolved those issues.
“The building goes right to the creekline and the 26 vehicle car park is located where the creek is.
“It’s still a major project and includes a 550 metre square building on two levels. There’s a lift going in as well.”
Mr Sharwood said the sites takes in the former service station and Pizza Hut come La Porchetta restaurant.
“We took some land off the end and are three quarters finished building six units next door,” he said.
“By the time we’re finished the showroom and office space we expect the final cost to come in at between $2.5 and $3 million.”
Mr Sharwood said he had been sitting on the land for a number of years after the former businesses closed down.
“Right from the start we recognised great potential with that site,” he said.
“It’s one of the last available on the highway. It’s high profile with plenty of passing traffic and is ideal for a showroom.”
