THE man who upgraded a section of Bathurst’s central business district and saved it from becoming a forgotten part of the city is planning to embark on another $7 million worth of investments in that precinct.
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And within another couple of years his vision includes a multi-million dollar makeover of another Howick Street site.
Bruce Bolam has made no secret of the fact he’s confident of where the city is headed and is working to ensure the lower George and Howick Street area remains vibrant and an integral part of the local retail and office space scene.
It’s certainly a far cry from the fears that many business people had that the opening of the new Bathurst City Centre would result in a shift of the CBD, with the focus on the lower end of Howick Street near Bentinck Street.
Mr Bolam’s latest plans follow land acquisitions and developments he’s already completed in the CBD worth a staggering $27.5 million.
The good news for the region is that the local entrepreneur and former mayor has plans to continue investing in the city’s future and is in the process of gradually consolidating all his investments in Bathurst and moving away from having a major presence in Dubbo’s economy.
“I believe that Bathurst, with its diverse economy, is performing better than most cites, although I am sure our retailers and small businesses would like to trade better,” Mr Bolam said.
“We have just successfully completed the $3.5 million Tindalls shops and Bob Jane complex in George Street on a site that had stood derelict for about 18 years.
“Later this year we will begin construction on the former Osborn building at 64-68 George Street. The existing building will be demolished and replaced by ground floor retail and first floor residential space.”
Mr Bolam said that in recent years he has committed major funds in George and Keppel street construction and their commercial areas now have fewer vacancies than William Street.
“People are saying that the two business blocks of lower George Street have become the busiest in Bathurst. Certainly concerns about that part of the CBD dying have been put to rest,” he said.
“In recent years we have also completed millions of dollars worth of property acquisition and buildings in the Howick Street block between George and Rankin streets.
“Within two years we hope to begin a further multi-million dollar expansion program in that block.”
In the meantime, within a couple of months Mr Bolam plans to begin a $4 million construction project of a new office block on the vacant Russell Street land beside the Western Advocate building.
It is envisaged Centrelink will move to this site, which many people will remember was formerly occupied by three derelict houses that had become an eyesore.
Mr Bolam said he has enjoyed an excellent relationship with committed local builder Dave Pennells and his Inland Building and Construction team, architect Henry Bialowis, designer Tony Ward and other capable professionals.
