Developer Lascorp has revealed its plans for a state-of-the-art mixed-use development on the corner of Ford and Numurkah Rds, in Shepparton’s north.
The development varies from previous proposals and no longer requires a rezoning of the land to commercial 1.
The future of retail expansion in the north end has been stalled for more than a decade with competing plans for another major development to the south at the current site of the IGA supermarket.
An advisory committee set up by Victorian Planning Minister Richard Wynne to settle the planning issue said while there was a need for a second full-line supermarket in the precinct, there would not be sufficient demand to support three for around 15 years.
The new proposal from Lascorp would focus on bulky goods rather than a full-service supermarket which the developer said was consistent with the current planning policy for the Commercial 2 Zone (C2Z) which affected the site.
The key components of the proposal were numerous bulky goods offerings, small-sized supermarket (not full-line), speciality shops and a liquor store.
A market square with numerous eating and drinking choices would include an ‘eat street’ with seating, linking it to the adjoining residential precinct
The site would also have a new childcare centre with 116 placements and car parking for 581 vehicles.
Lascorp said it has an exemplary track record of constructing and operating high-quality retail centres in metropolitan Melbourne and throughout regional Victoria and Queensland and was excited about bringing this project to Shepparton North.
Lascorp has redeveloped and continues to operate the Coles/Kmart and former IGA redevelopments in Vaughan St, Shepparton, which it holds as a long-term investment.
Lascorp said the project would create significant job opportunities, both during and after construction, and would go a long way to satisfying the shortfall of retail area in the fast-growing Shepparton North corridor.