East Wagga: Soil testing facility plan revealed for Dangar Place

A plan to develop a $2.3 million soil testing facility at East Wagga has been revealed. Find out what’s proposed.

A $2.3 million soil testing lab has been earmarked for a site at 5 Dangar Place, East Wagga.

Geotechnical Testing Laboratory, with the backing of Aitken Rowe testing laboratories, has proposed the new complex to facilitate the testing of soils, concrete and aggregates for construction purposes.

In its development application, which is before Wagga Council, the company said soil testing was a crucial part to the construction industry in making sure the soil being used was not unsafe for landscaping purposes.

The application revealed the project would include the construction of a new testing lab and depot building to accommodate the Aitken Rowe testing laboratories business as well as three detached industrial shed units on the vacant site.

According to planners the site consists of 5519 sqm with the lab building to take up around 1760 sqm.

The two-level facility would consist of testing, sample and grading rooms as well as a reception, office, meeting spaces, amenities and a large garage area.

Documents reveal where the lot is. Picture: Supplied

The proposed shed units are 120 sqm and will each contain an office, amenities, kitchenette and open area with roller shutter access.

The documents reveal the industrial shed units would be available for lease for trades type businesses.

Aitken Rowe Testing Laboratories company director Jeff Lyons. Picture: Supplied

According to the planning documents, the property is zoned for light industrial purposes and is located in an established industrial and rural area on the opposite side of Bakers Lane.

Company director Jeff Lyons said the proposed development was allow the business to expand to a larger site.

“The testing we do for construction materials and geo tech engineering help in the design process of developments,” Mr Lyons said.

“This includes quality control of projects to check on materials and building verification, and what the ground is like.”

The size of the lot which will encompass the land around Dangar Place. Picture: Supplied

Mr Lyons said if approved he was hoping construction could start this year and be completed in 2023.

Geotechnical Testing Laboratory will be used for the testing of soils, concrete and aggregates for construction purposes with the backing of Aitken Rowe testing laboratories who are part of the investment in the development.

According to the developers the proposal will provide the company with an expanded workspace of the current business which is over the road.

The new building will provide an improvement to the aesthetic of the streetscape and add value to the area.

Wagga City Council is yet to sign off with the proposal.