Thrumster: Lewis Group lodges DA for new vet, gym, dog groomers at Sovereign Hills site
A brand new, purpose-built complex complete with a 24-hour gym, veterinary clinic and dog groomer has been proposed for a new suburb of Port Macquarie. See where it’s going.
Mid-North Coast
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A new stand-alone building with a gym, vet clinic and dog grooming business has been proposed for the booming suburb of Thrumster.
Plans for the commercial premises have been lodged by Lewis Land Group for a vacant block of land adjacent to the Sovereign Hills Town Centre on the John Oxley Highway.
The Mid-North Coast News has contacted Lewis Land Group for comment on whether tenants to run and operate the three businesses have been approached, and secured.
The development application (DA) states that the veterinary hospital will operate between 7am to 6pm Monday to Saturday, with a flexibility to operate outside of these hours in the event of an emergency.
There will be four staff on the premises at any one time including two vets, a nurse and receptionist.
The proposed dog grooming business would operate between Monday and Saturday, 8am to 4pm. An ancillary cafe is also part of the plans, offering a space for clients to dine in and wait for their pets to be pampered.
The largest businesses to use the space will be a gym and indoor recreation centre. It will operate 24-hours a day, seven days a week and be staffed Monday to Friday 8am to 12pm, and 3pm to 6pm.
The plans also include a proposal to build an additional 105 car parks across from where the premises would be situated.
Lewis Land Group Head of Development Michael Long said now was the right time to expand the town centre.
“Lewis Land Group has been encouraged by the support from the Sovereign Place businesses with strong tenant demand to open a new shop or expand their business in our modern open-air centre, and we felt the time was right to expand the size and offering,” he said.
“The town centre is positioned in Port Macquarie’s leading growth area for residential land.
“We’ve sold close to 850 blocks of land to date and continue to push ahead with future land releases and the vision for our 2,400 lot master planned community, which is perfectly positioned between the coast and country and conveniently close to the Pacific Highway.
“We’re looking forward to progressing with this latest stage at the town centre. We’re also proceeding with the design of a health and medical precinct which will form a future stage of the Sovereign Place Town Centre development.”
The DA states that the proposed uses of the site will contribute to the range of business uses already serving the Town Centre, and those that live in and visit the area.
“The uses will provide employment in an accessible location and encourage the development of further commercial uses in the Town Centre,” it states.
“The site is located on a future bus route and allows for public transport usage, walking and cycling.
“The proposed development makes a positive contribution to the John Oxley Drive streetscape and has been designed to be in keeping with the existing building.
“The proposal for a 24/7 gym within proximity of the future service station will improve night time safety in the area by increasing activity in the area.
The plans are currently being reviewed by Port Macquarie Hastings Council.
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