A $12.4 million hardware store at Dubbo has nailed about 300 prospective jobs for the city.
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Masters Home Improvement yesterday estimated the employment boost as its amended plans for a store in Cobra Street gained approval.
The developer forecast its entry into Dubbo would provide about 185 construction jobs, up by 35 on an earlier estimate.
Another 120 full-time, part-time and casual positions would open up on completion of the complex that will include an 11,500-square metre (m ) store for the expanding hardware venture and floor space for other retailers.
"This exciting new development will include a Masters store, an additional 1000 square metres for bulky goods retailers and a convenient 534-space car park," a Woolworths spokeswoman said.
Masters is a joint venture between Woolworths Limited and US home-improvement chain Lowe's and last week Kelso became home to the 41st store in its stable.
Its entry into the Dubbo market comes more than five years after the Wesfarmers group's Bunnings Warehouse set up in a $24.6 million complex on Sheraton Road.
Yesterday it was confident it had plenty to offer consumers.
"Our stores stock more than 35,000 different products including white goods, garden, paint, flooring, kitchens, bathrooms and building supplies at great everyday low prices," the spokeswoman said.
As Masters gained development approval from Dubbo City Council, mayor Mathew Dickerson welcomed the project, saying it would have "many flow-on effects for the city".
"This new development will increase economic activity in the retail sector and help ensure the city has a strong mix of competitive retail options to meet the needs of residents," Cr Dickerson said.
"Masters have established stores in St Mary's, Chullora, Gosford, Gregory Hills near Narellan, Rutherford and Wagga Wagga.
"This development is a positive sign of the continued growth of Dubbo and the confidence of industry that Dubbo is a desirable place to invest in."
Cr Dickerson welcomed the prospect of 185 jobs in the construction phase and 120 permanent retail positions.
A Kosseris family company gained development approval for a Masters complex at Dubbo in June.
In December Woolworths said it had "taken over the development from Kilarney Properties" and confirmed a modified development application had been lodged.
The approval announced yesterday is for a smaller overall commercial floor space but larger Masters store within that area, with construction to take place on the vacant corner block of Cobra and Hawthorn streets through to the eastern side of Spotlight and the Good Guys.
Those two existing stores will remain along with the majority of the existing car park, but the project will combine the current and new stores into one centre.
