Planning changes for proposed new $40m Bunnings near Mount Barker

A proposed new Bunnings at Mount Barker – double the size of the existing outlet – would be moved under new plans.

The proposed new $40m Bunnings in the Adelaide Hills would be moved nearer to the freeway under planning changes – but it means more vegetation.

Earthworks have started on the new 16,300sq m site on Follet Close in Totness, double the size of the existing Bunnings that’s just down the hill near the freeway entry ramp at Mount Barker.

Originally proposed as a two-level building with undercroft parking and a nursery, the changes mean the new Bunnings would now be one level with a uncovered 350-space carpark, requiring a shift west.

It has been moved to incorporate land that would have still been home to other bulky goods outlets, and the changes allow trucks easier access to loading docks.

During planning it was revealed the steep incline of Innovation Drive increased the risk of semi-trailers tipping as they turned the corner into the new Bunnings for deliveries.

Realigning the building means arriving trucks will now use Follet Cl instead and exit via Innovation, planning consultant Emma Barnes said, instead of the other way around as previously planned.

An artist impression of the proposed new Bunnings at Totness, as seen from the freeway exit ramp at Mount Barker. Subject to change.

“Innovation Drive is quite steep and this development is part of a broader precinct development, so we have to make sure those access roads being created are safe,” Ms Barnes said.

“Moving the building gives us more room, we design out the risk, if you like. The longer the bit of road we’ve got, the better.”

Trucks arriving with deliveries would have a longer road to access loading areas and exit out on to Innovation Drive.

“It also provides a greater opportunity to circulate trucks off the public realm,” she said.

The changes also means a “superior landscaping outcome” for the freeway, Ms Barnes said.

Developers must provide a 20m buffer of trees or landscaping between roads and buildings. Consultation is now taking place with the Department of Infrastructure and Transport to grow screening on its land along the Mount Barker freeway entry ramp.

“For the streetscaping along the freeway, it will mean that a portion of that landscaping is on DIT land, but it will remain 20m in width,” Ms Barnes said.

“There could well have been other bulky goods on that corner, which will now be dedicated to landscaping, which is a good outcome. There would have otherwise been other buildings there.”

Bunnings general manager store operations Jess Hitchin said the new store was expected to create about 30 new jobs in addition to the existing team, which was moving to the new site.

“It will feature an improved store layout, nursery, timber trade drive-thru and parking for around 350 cars,” Ms Hitchin said.

The project is being led by developer Totness Commercial, with Bunnings the proposed tenant.

Bunnings said it would keep the community updated with construction timelines if the project received final approval.