New $9.5m Bunnings store making its way to Portland

An iconic retail chain has been given the green light for a new store in Victoria’s southwest. See the plans.

A large, well-known retail company will be coming to Portland, increasing employment opportunities and shopping varieties for the south-west community.

A proposed plan for a $9.5m new Bunnings store was approved by council at their meeting on November 22.

The proposed planning application seeked to develop a new Bunnings store at the end of 68 Richardson St in Portland.

The Glenelg Shire discussed the plan and a majority of councillors granted the permit to go ahead.

At the eastern end of the site, the outdoor nursery and bagged goods canopy provide an active frontage to New St.

They are located in the southwest sector of the site, forming an “L” shape.

The Bunnings store includes a fully enclosed covered main warehouse building of approximately 2113.45 sq m, a fully enclosed timber trade sales areas of 1685.29 sq m, a total retail floor area of 5382.62 sq m and 127 car parking spaces.

The site of the new Bunnings in Portland. Picture: Supplied.

According to the planning application, the Portland community will be able to generate jobs, develop its economy, and reinforce its role as a shopping and employment destination.

“It’s fantastic having Bunnings invest into the Glenelg Shire, so it’s showing faith that we are very much a high growing area,” Mayor Scott Martin said.

Plans for the new Portland Bunnings. Picture: Supplied.

“We do have Bunnings stores out in the country but we’ve obviously got a lot of industry, and I guess like most places around Victoria at the moment it can be very hard to get a builder,

so that’s a bit of Bunnings’ niche there, they supply a lot of timber and tools, so they see an area where they can do business.”

Roadworks will be required to be undertaken once the development of the site commences when the development process commencement is yet to be announced.

Mr Martin said the development was hoped to begin in 2023.

“There’s a couple little bits in the jigsaw puzzle there that need to be addressed and worked out in due time, but I would hope as soon as possible, next year maybe, but we will see how we go.”