One of the country’s biggest hardware stores is set to open the doors to its new warehouse in Bundaberg early next year. Source: Bundaberg News Mail
Bunnings has announced it has received approval for development of a new store in Bundaberg, which is expected to employ more than 250 local residents.
The hardware giant said it was currently reviewing the conditions of the development approval and would continue to work with the Bundaberg Regional Council throughout the process.
The warehouse will be built on Johanna Boulevard and is set to open in early 2015.
The new site will replace the existing Bundaberg warehouse with all staff transferring to the new location.
Bunnings has said it will invest about $39 million in the development, fit-out and stock for the new store on the more than 5ha Bundaberg site.
It will have a total area of more than 18,000sqm, including the main warehouse, indoor timber trade sales area, building materials and landscape supplies yard and outdoor nursery, as well as an indoor playground, cafe and parking for approximately 380 cars.
Bunnings chief operating officer Peter Davis said Bunnings was committed to supporting local communities.
“Bunnings’ investment in the Bundaberg area will provide great job opportunities for the local community, with over 250 positions expected to be available in the Bunnings team, representing strong employment and on-the-job training opportunities for local residents and school leavers,” he said.
“In addition, the project is estimated to create approximately 270 jobs during the construction phase.”
“Local customers will enjoy the convenience of the widest range of home improvement and outdoor living products at the lowest prices,” Davis said.
“Bunnings is committed to working toward carbon neutral growth and long term footprint reduction and in keeping with this, the proposed Bunnings store will implement a number of energy and water saving design features.”
As part of the development, a number of adjoining tenancies covering more than 9000sqm have also been approved.
The additional development will have more than 160 car parks and provide additional investment and employment opportunities.
