New Jobs Hub Approved

Plans for a new large-format retail and office development in Wyndham Vale have taken a major step forward after Wyndham councillors backed a planning permit application at Tuesday night’s Planning Committee meeting.

The proposal covers vacant land at 2 Hirata Boulevard and 462 Ballan Road, near Manor Lakes Shopping Centre and Wyndham Vale Station.

It includes three buildings containing a large-format retail store, two restricted retail tenancies and office space. The development has an estimated construction cost of $26 million.

Planning documents identify the main tenancy as a 6,812-square-metre large-format retail premises, with signage plans showing Harvey Norman branding across the site, including a 12-metre-high pylon sign facing Ballan Road.

Two additional retail tenancies and 610 square metres of office space are also proposed.

The site will include 222 car parks, loading areas and access from Ballan Road and Hirata Boulevard.

Because the development is considered consistent with the Ballan Road Precinct Structure Plan, it was exempt from public notice requirements and did not go through a community objection process.

Council officers recommended approval, finding the proposal aligned with planning policies for the area and the intended use of the site for bulky goods, office and commercial development.

While no specific employment figures were provided, officers said the project would create a significant retail and commercial hub in an area earmarked for jobs and economic activity.

The report states the development would support employment opportunities, deliver commercial floor space and help meet employment targets set out in the precinct structure plan.

Approval of the planning permit means the developer can now move forward with the project, subject to permit conditions.