Bedwells Feed Barn has long been located in the Tremain’s Mill site on Keppel Street, but the entire precinct was sold in May, 2015.

The mill’s new owners, Stephen and Glenda Birrell, have plans for the site to become a meeting place and include: a micro brewery, marketplace, function centre, cafe, museum, luxury apartments and landscaped courtyards.

Bedwells’ development application (DA) shows the business would relocate to the former Devro factory site at 46 Vale Road.

The DA’s Statement of Environment Effects (SoEE) said the change of use would require very little alterations to the existing structures.

“The greater proportion of the work required is the removal of machinery and services associated with the buildings former use,” it said.

“The required alteration will only affect the larger of the two structures and would be minimal.”

There are two existing main structures on the site which would be utilised for retail, while the rear of the site contains the effluent treatment facility associated with the former use. 

“There is no intention to utilise the former effluent treatment works in the retail activities,” the SoEE states.

The site would operate 8am to 5.30pm weekdays and 8am to 1pm on Saturdays.

The SoEE states the proposal will generate extra traffic on Vale Road and Kirkaldy Street.

Bedwells’ relocation would require approval for a change of use change of classification of the respective structures from industrial (Class 8) to retail and storage (Class 6 and 7b).