Wagga Regional Council considers development application, including new businesses, at a former restaurant site

A developer has cooked up a vision for a prominent slice of Wagga’s streetscape. We reveal what’s on the menu at the old restaurant.

A commercial development worth over $430,000 could soon take shape at a prominent Wagga CBD location.

Wagga City Council has yet to decide Camilla Rocks’s proposal for 24 Fitzmaurice St.

The building once housed a Chinese restaurant and retail shop.

It was built in 1908 as a bike outlet.

The old Lum Inn could soon get a makeover. Picture:Supplied

“It was constructed in 1908 as a motorcycle and bicycle sales shop known as Bennett & Barkell,” the planing documents state.

“(The developer) seeks approval to undertake alterations and additions to the commercial building to upgrade the entries to current accessibility standards, replace the shopfront, alter windows, install signage and fit out the ground floor tenancy as a hair and beauty salon,” the proposal reads.

The former bike shop opened in 1908, Picture: Supplied

The planning documents reveal as well “the basement level of the building is intended to be used as a bar”.

The businesses will be house over an area of 240.3sqm with a total frontage to Fitzmaurice St 7.4 metres and also Centreway Place of 31.9 metres.

The auxiliary shop could be the newest nightlife place in Wagga. Picture: Supplied

The developers have asked the council for approval to demolish. The council is yet to decide on that application.

“The shopfront is not original to the building and has been altered throughout the history of the site”, the developer’s documents said.

How the developers see the building in the future. Picture: Supplied

“(The proposal) will provide employment and contribute to the local economy as well as supporting businesses associated with the proposed use of the site including delivery, warehousing, and supply-chain employees,” the planner said.

The developer believes the location of the proposed salon and bar will encourage people to visit the area as well buy goods and services from nearby shops, restaurants and other businesses.

The council is considering the proposal.