Plans for $14M highway service centre welcomed by New Italy Museum
Plans for a $14.7 million highway service centre have been welcomed by volunteers at the not-for-profit museum, who say the developers have addressed all their concerns.
Lismore
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Public submissions are being invited after a development application for a $14.7 million highway service centre at New Italy was lodged with Richmond Valley Council.
The project includes a 24-hour service centre with 10 double-sided fuel pumps, five bay electric vehicles charging area, impressive facilities for truckies and four separate eateries, including two with drive-throughs.
The not-for-profit incorporated association that owns and operates the Historic New Italy site welcomed the development.
President of The New Italy Museum, Gail Williams, said they had been in regular contact with the developers of the proposed complex.
“Of particular concern to us was that the heritage aspects of the site would be respected and that the development would deliver benefits to both Historic New Italy and the surrounding community of this mid-Richmond area,” she said.
“We are confident that the development will deliver on all counts.”
From Historic New Italy’s perspective, the service station and restaurant complex will provide:
• Increased patronage from visitors to the adjoining complex
• A landscaped linkage to Historic New Italy’s facilities from the complex through the
Park of Peace
• Up-front cash from the sale of a portion of the association’s land, currently used for reticulating waste water
• Connection to a potable water supply and a contemporary sewerage treatment plant.
Ms Williams said the development will help to “future-proof” the site.
“Importantly it will also be a boost to the local economy from the 150-180 jobs that will be available at the complex when operating,” she said.
The New Italy Museum will host information sessions on the proposed development in the New Italy Community Hall.
The dates/times of those sessions are yet to be determined.
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