News of the development of two major sites in Dubbo’s Central Business District will be welcomed by residents and the business community.
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It is a strong demonstration of confidence in the city and its business and economic possibilities.
The projects on Macquarie Street, the CBD’s main thoroughfare, will pump new life into the heart of the city.
While it will be some time before they are completed, they will help change perceptions and fears among some that the CBD is struggling with too many empty shops, declining foot traffic and a lack of activity.
The MAAS Group Family Properties has started demolishing 216 Macquarie Street, home to the Daily Liberal until the building was sold late last year, to make way for a 5000 square metre re-development MAAS says will be for the “betterment of the community”.
Project details will be announced later.
On Wednesday former Dubbo City (DCC) councillor Kim Williams disclosed he and his wife Ros are co-ordinating development of a multi-storey block of apartments. The $11 million project will include 20 residences and a retail level about 1200 square metres in size.
Mr Williams said it was the first of its kind in Dubbo “and something we think can liven up the main street”.
The development of inner city apartments was one of the many ideas pushed in the “Ignite the Centre” plan, launched two years ago when former DCC councillors and many residents were worried about the closure of CBD businesses and the potential loss of retail businesses and customers to new retail options elsewhere.
The Dubbo Regional Council (DRC) continued the work. New businesses have opened in Macquarie, Talbragar and other streets. There are new restaurants and activities in the CBD.
Only some of the “50 Bright Ideas” in the program have been introduced, so there are many more positives to come. Some more vacant stores will soon be occupied.
In the two months to October 20, DRC approved 13 retail building development applications with a value of $5.37 million.
While residents may focus on the shops they would love to have here, all these investments bring jobs and build the economy.
Everyone’s a winner. And, without being greedy, let’s have many more.
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