A major commercial development proposed for Kyneton is expected to inject $100M into the local economy and provide more than 400 jobs to the community.
An application has been lodged with Macedon Ranges Shire Council to develop a large service station with two fast food restaurants and a retail store on a 66-hectare site opposite the industrial estate, positioned either side of the Pipers Creek Road intersection with Edgecombe Road.
A major hardware retailer is also in talks with the developer to position itself on part of the site, which is already zoned Commercial 2.
Seventeen five-acre blocks will also be developed with housing behind the commercial area backing towards the golf course, on land zoned Rural Living.
Retail Fuel Developments, which has built about $90M worth of service centres in the last two years in Victoria alone, has earmarked the site for its accessibility from the Calder Freeway off ramp and its location halfway between Melbourne and Bendigo.
Developer David Browne told the Express the completed development would equate to an estimated investment of about $100M.
“We have great interest from a range of new businesses looking to target this estate, comprising major bulky goods outlets, retail fuel outlet, retail food outlets, technology startup companies, trade supplies, wholesale food suppliers, retail food outlets, tourism outlets like a conference and accommodation centre and many more interested parties, all of course subject to council approval,” Mr Browne said.
“This part of the development is expected to translate into 400-plus full-time jobs and about 150 part-time jobs when completed, together with an estimated 500 construction jobs that are clearly needed as identified in the council’s Economic Development Strategy and Jobs for the Future Blueprint.
“This is exactly what we are offering right now, attracting investment like we are proposing is ultimately what is going to drive job creation and sustainable recovery from COVID-19 for regional Victoria and in particular Kyneton.”
Nearby resident Brian Wilson agreed that “smart developments” that created jobs should be welcomed and supported.
“We have a growing town and these are huge investments that create local jobs and boost the local economy while still respecting and protecting our unique environment,” Mr Wilson said.
Advertising of the subdivision application closed on July 25.
The service station and retail application is currently being assessed by council officers who have requested further information. It is expected to be advertised soon.
