Soil turned on Tullimbar’s $24 million Village Centre

After years of waiting work is finally getting under way on the Tullimbar village centre which will bring modern retail, social and community facilities to the tiny town.

Residents have every right to be sceptical, but physical progress has finally been made towards the construction of the Tullimbar Village Centre.

A Diamond Construction’s excavator turned the topsoil at the Broughton Ave lot which will provide much needed services and amenities for the tiny township in the shadow of Macquarie Pass.

Once completed, the $24 million precinct will comprise of a Jack Swagman IGA supermarket, family oriented tavern, Little Zak‘s Academy Early Learning Centre, cafes and eateries, pharmacy, function space, a tavern, learn to swim school, studio and a clock tower with genuine public open space for the community.



An artist impression of the long-awaited Tullimbar Village Centre precinct. Picture: Supplied

There will also be more than 160 car spaces on the 8,245sq m block of land between the residential area and the suburb’s school.

While Tullimbar dates back to the 19th century, it wasn’t until the formative years of the 21st century that it began growing into a residential suburb with the primary school opening its doors in 2006.

Shane Bitschkat heads the Tullimbar Town Centre Action Group who have been vocal advocates for the development after previous proposals went awry.

“Residents were sold land based on a Tullimbar Village Centre concept plan becoming reality,” Mr Bitschkat explained.

“Many elders and parents bought into this community knowing that it would be an easy walk to the local shops to buy simple household staples. Tullimbar was designed and developed as a walking community from the onset of the first turn of soil.

Shane Bitschkat has been a vocal proponent for the Tullimbar development. Picture: Supplied

“The design of Tullimbar Village is just that, a small village environment where locals can meet and socialise over a coffee at the village cafe or buy household staples at a locally run supermarket.”

Mr Bitschkat said while there might be concerns about increased traffic in the area, he believes residents will quickly adapt to the changes.

“Congestion and busyness is part and parcel of any new development,” he said.

“With anything new comes change. Some may welcome the change, others won’t.

“Yes, it will be busy at the beginning while residents are getting to know their new Village Centre but, it will peter off and the new will become the normal. Traffic within the area will be monitored and changes made if and when required.”

Construction has started on the much-anticipated Tullimbar Town Centre.

It’s hoped the development will be finished by the end of the year with customers churning through the checkouts of the Jack Swagman IGA with their Christmas essentials.

“I expect smooth sailing from here,” Mr Bitschkat said.

“Diamond Construction and Simon Quinn have gone above and beyond to ensure the community had their say in the planning and development of this project from day one.

“The community has also been given the chance to secure business opportunities as well.”