Epsom development progresses

THE City of Greater Bendigo has announced its intention to approve a multimillion-dollar redevelopment of the Epsom Village shopping centre, which includes upgrades to the Midland Highway and Howard Street intersection.

A panel delegation issued a 28-day notice of decision to green light National Retail Group’s plans last week.

The plans did not go to council for approval during their January meeting as they did not meet the required threshold of four objectors.

City CEO Craig Niemann said the project’s proposed road upgrades could help ease congestion at the intersection which is used by some 19,000 vehicles each day.

“These works are significant and will be a positive step towards addressing community concerns around how the intersection functions and its safety,” he said.

“The works will certainly open up the intersection and help it to better cope with increased traffic, so we appreciate the applicant’s willingness to contribute to a good community outcome.”

Plans for the development were first approved in 2017 but were amended over the past year to include turning and through traffic lanes on Howard Street and a six-metre buffer between the road and shopping centre.

“It’s not unusual to place conditions on planning permits to contribute in some way to local infrastructure, however when large planning applications like this are received it is an opportunity to consider what is reasonable and proportionate,” Mr Niemann said.

During the 28-day notice of decision period, any objectors to the plans can still lodge an application for review which would leave the final decision on the development up to the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal.

NRG director Michael Spektor said he was excited by the opportunity to progress with the project.

“We’ve been working very closely with council for 12 months to achieve this outcome which is a very strong outcome not only for the centre but for the local community,” he said.

Separately, the City will also upgrade the Howard Street bridge this year with a two and a half metre shared footpath to improve pedestrian safety.