Scaled-back Bunnings ready to go
A SCALED-BACK version of the planned Bunnings warehouse in West Ipswich has been given the green light and is ready to go.
It's part of an ongoing DIY war being waged across Ipswich, with Masters and Bunnings each upping the ante.
Last March, Bunnings announced plans for a multi-storey warehouse in West Ipswich on the corner of Brisbane and Clay Sts.
Bunnings managing director John Gillam said the warehouse would be among the company's biggest in Australia, adding to its Booval store.
But Bunnings has now decided to down-size the West Ipswich warehouse following public submissions, even though it's still a sizeable 13,500 square metres.
Bunnings says it will also create hundreds of jobs in the city.
Bunnings chief operating officer Peter Davis said it had received an amended permit from Ipswich City Council for the planned West Ipswich Bunnings.
"The site will be cleared in the coming months and Bunnings expects that building work will commence once all other approvals are in place," Mr Davis said.
"The total investment for this site equates to over $45 million, and this project will create over 210 permanent positions and another 390 jobs through the construction phase."
He said expressions of interests had been called from Ipswich community groups, other groups and people interested in acquiring four character buildings on the site as a donation to relocate them in the Ipswich area.
"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 many years to come," Mr Davis said.
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 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."
