High hopes for Epsom development

DEVELOPERS are hopeful their proposed upgrade for the Epsom Village shops, including works to the Midland Highway and Howard Street intersection, will be approved by City of Greater Bendigo councillors this month.

The National Retail Group is seeking to give a “facelift” to the existing shopping centre, which includes a Woolworths, Chemist Warehouse, Aldi and other smaller traders, and build a new medical centre, allied health and wellness clinic, Carl’s Jr restaurant, Dan Murphy’s and more.

The $18 million proposed works include $3 million for an upgrade to the Midland Highway and Howard Street intersection, which has been labelled dangerous by local residents.

NRG is the asset manager of the project and director Michael Spektor said they had been working with the City’s planning team for over 12 months to get to potential approval at the January council meeting, with the application first lodged in December 2020.

“We understand that it’s being recommended for approval by that team and we’re very thankful for that,” he said

“What we lodged 12 months ago has been vastly improved with council and VicRoads to provide a strong community outcome.

“If we are able to achieve that approval at the January meeting, our intention as a project team is to immediately move forward with the works.”

Changes to the plans over the past year of consultation included moving the centre back six metres from the footpath to create a buffer between the road at the request of council and VicRoads.

Mr Spektor said the intersection upgrades had already been provisionally approved by VicRoads and would include dedicated left and right turning lanes, a bike lane and two through traffic lanes in either direction of Midland Highway.

Howard Street would also be widened with more lanes, and all existing traffic signals would be replaced with new lights and a sequence aimed at improving safety in the area.

“In terms of how long the road works will take, that’s a question that we can’t answer until we get into detailed design,” Mr Spektor said.

“With any improvements there are some short-term disruptions for long-term improvements and safety gains for the community.”

If approved, NRG estimates more than 120 local construction jobs would come out of the project, and more than 100 people could find permanent work in the new proposed retailers and other facilities.

A leasing campaign is also underway for the remaining vacant shops included in the plans and Mr Spektor said local businesses were encouraged to apply.