Plans for the 17,500 square metre premises on Bungaree Street have been lodged only 14 months after the existing Bunnings Warehouse facility was seriously damaged during the April super storm.

Repairs to the warehouse were finally completed in May, though the store re-opened last August.

A statement from the company said flood management experts had been engaged to extensively research the new site.

The new warehouse is expected to replace the existing store.

The statement said the larger premises was expected to employ more than 220 team members – an extra 75 jobs compared with the current warehouse. The project is expected to cost more than $35 million.

Bunnings general manager of property Andrew Marks said the new site would meet the growing demand in Maitland.

“We have been part of the Maitland community for over a decade and have been keen to bring a bigger and better offer to local residents for some time,” he said. 

“The local store will continue to operate as usual throughout the development application and construction process for the new warehouse.

“Bunnings’ proposed investment in the Maitland area would provide great job opportunities for the local community, with approximately 75 new positions expected to be made available in the Bunnings team, representing strong employment opportunities for local residents and school leavers.

“If approved, the project is estimated to create an additional 250 jobs during the construction phase and would represent a significant direct investment in the local area.”

The development will include a main warehouse, indoor timber trade sales area, landscape supplies yard and an outdoor nursery, as well as an indoor playground, cafe and 340 car parking spaces. 

Fairfax Media is yet to confirm when the development application will be open for comment through Maitland City Council.

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Bunnings Warehouse could open new Maitland store

Bunnings reopens August 3, 2015