Bargara has been approved an upgrade

A planning court battle between two shopping centre developers over a proposed new complex at the coastal township has finally reached a head.

Architectural drawings showing BluePoint Bargara Pty Ltd's proposed shopping centre at Rifle Range Rd, Bargara.

Plans for a major new shopping centre at Bargara were given the green light with the state’s planning court confirming the project can go ahead following an appeal.

Judge Michael Williamson delivered his decision on Friday saying the appeal by the Stockwell Development Group lodged in October 2023 was partially successful, but the new centre proposed by BluePoint Bargara could go ahead.

The new centre is proposed to be built on vacant land at the corner of Hughes and Rifle Range Rds at Bargara.

Judge Williamson said in his decision to project was approved subject to the originally imposed conditions, except for one point.

The removal of the condition, which sought to allow future uses in of the plan that were not included in the original development application.

Architectural drawings showing BluePoint Bargara Pty Ltd's proposed shopping centre at Rifle Range Rd, Bargara.

The court decided that this was a step too far, and as such any future changes will now need to go through the full council process.

The decision was celebrated online by Division 5 Councillor Larine Statham-Blair, who said in her Facebook post “many residents have contacted me seeking an update about the Coles Shopping Centre”.

She said Judge Williamson found “the evidence provided by the respondents (Council and Blue Point Bargara) and Coles sucessfully [sic] demonstrated there is a clear economic and community need”.

“It is proposed the complex will include a Coles supermarket (or other supermarket tenant), specialty shops, a medical centre and a stand-alone food and drink outlet,” Ms Statham-Blair said.

“It will be a wonderful addition to the Central Coastal Urban Growth Area, which is earmarked for significant development in Council’s planning scheme.”

Plans for BluePoint Bargara Pty Ltd's shopping centre proposed for Rifle Range Rd, Bargara.

The plans come as welcome news to many residents in the area who have long waited for more convenient options for the weekly shop.

One fan of the proposed developments commented responded to Ms. Statham-Blair’s post by saying they were “doing the happy dance” and another said “happy days thank you, yes we need it”.

Construction of the project was not expected to start for a number of years.