By ALENA HIGGINS
A $40 MILLION expansion of Rose City Shoppingworld was approved by Southern Downs Regional Council (SDRC) this morning.
Councillors passed the resolution for the multi-million redevelopment with 56 conditions at a special meeting in Warwick today (14 November).
As part of its approval, the developer must pay for or construct an additional 44 car spaces on council-owned land at the back of the Acacia Avenue carpark, as well as the extra 102 spaces it has already pledged.
It is also required to come back to the council with a revised detailed design to ensure aesthetic elements are satisfied, especially in relation to the Fitzroy Street facade.
SDRC director of environment and planning Ken Harris said the project was a major economic coup for the city and praised the applicant for complying with most of the planning scheme provisions.
“They have done a very good job and we are just working through a few minor issues, which is normal,” he said.
He said the redevelopment, which will include a new entry at the corner of Palmerin and Fitzroy streets, would strengthen the link between the north and south of the CBD.
Construction of the centre is expected to take more than a year to complete and employ up to 300 construction workers.
It is unclear how many new specialty shops are expected, but key features already announced include a bigger food court, a new and extended Woolworths and a new-full sized Coles supermarket.
For more details see next Thursday’s edition of the Free Times.
