New Bunnings store to boost jobs
BUNNINGS is clearing the way for work to start on its 13,500sq m warehouse in Brisbane St, West Ipswich.
Last March, Bunnings announced plans for a multi-storey warehouse in West Ipswich on the corner of Brisbane and Clay Sts.
It's all part of an ongoing DIY war being waged across Ipswich, with Masters and Bunnings each raising the retail hardware bar.
Bunnings later decided to downsize the store following public submissions, but it's still a sizeable 13,500sq m.
The retail giant says it will also create hundreds of construction and ongoing jobs in the city.
Bunnings chief operating officer Peter Davis said the total investment for the site equated to more than $45 million and the project would create more than 210 permanent positions and another 390 jobs during construction.
Mr Davis said Bunnings had started clearing the site for the planned development to complement its Booval warehouse.
He said that as part of preparations for developing the site, expressions of interests were called from community groups and other groups or people interested in acquiring the four buildings on the site as a donation.
One of the houses was destroyed by fire and the others are now behind a high wire fence.
"Although we did receive some initial inquiries, no one was able to feasibly relocate the buildings. Accordingly the buildings will be salvaged and materials recycled wherever possible," Mr Davis said.
"Bunnings looks forward to adding a second warehouse to the fast-growing Ipswich area and continuing to offer customers the lowest prices, widest range and best service for years to come."
Ipswich City Council planning and development committee chairman Paul Tully said the development would provide a major boost for the region.
"Bunnings outlets are popular seven days a week and are encouraged by Ipswich City Council for the service they provide to the community and the jobs which are generated," Cr Tully said.
"I am confident the new West Ipswich store will prove to be one of Bunnings' best in the city."
