'We've heard nothing': Businesses demand transparency on Wagga Bunnings' controversial move to busy intersection

Neighbouring businesses say they are still being kept in the dark on Wagga Bunnings’ controversial proposed move to a site next to a busy intersection.

The hardware giant has been trying to relocate a few hundred metres down the road, next to the already congested roundabout at Pearson and Edward streets.

Wagga Wagga City Council (WWCC) rejected Bunnings’ $24.9 million development application to do so in 2023, citing concerns over increased traffic.

For the past year, the retailer has been working on an alternative proposal, but won’t provide much detail.

“We’re committed to bringing a bigger and better offer for the local Wagga community with a new store,” the company’s regional manager David Williams said.

“At this stage, we don’t have any timelines to share, but we continue to engage with council and Transport for NSW (TfNSW).”

Pearson Street Carwash owner Steve Kenyon expressed his frustration over the lack of consultation.

“They (WWCC) told us they would keep us informed and that we would be part of the consultation with council, TfNSW and Bunnings … that was in October 2023 and we’ve heard nothing from them,” Mr Kenyon said.

“Rob Sinclair from Empire Gym followed up with the council about a fortnight ago and we just got this wishy-washy email back saying Bunnings has submitted some alternatives and it was in the hands of Transport for NSW and consultation.

“Once again, we have not been included. We should be included in the consultation so they know what they’re dealing with.

“I don’t know why Bunnings are wasting their time going through the heads of Transport for NSW when the amendment goes in, the business owners of Pearson Street will say, ‘We are rejecting it’.”

Barbeques Galore (opposite the future Bunnings site at the corner of Pearson and Edward streets) manager David Leonard said the council, TfNSW and Bunnings had not contacted him either.

Mr Leonard said despite the ongoing access issue, he would still support Bunnings moving to 64 Pearson Street.

“We encourage Bunnings to be on that side because it would increase our foot traffic by 10 to 15 per cent,” he said.

“But if the median strip was to go back in, it would affect not only us but probably a lot of other businesses up along this side of the road.

“The median strip won’t allow cars to come over and exit beside the road, and that will be a bit dangerous to even try to attempt because of how busy this highway is.”

A WWCC spokesperson said Bunnings had developed several treatment concepts; however, no final design had been agreed upon at this stage.

“All parties remain open to exploring alternative arrangements to appropriately address traffic and to minimise impacts on parking and surrounding businesses. These options are currently being thoroughly examined,” the spokesperson said.

“Should any potentially viable alternative intersection treatment be identified, Bunnings will be required to submit an application to modify their development consent for a full assessment. If this were to occur, any affected landowners will be notified and will be provided with the opportunity to provide submissions to the council as part of its consideration.

“The current development consent granted by the council continues to deny direct access from the proposed Bunnings development to Pearson Street. The applicant has not formally requested any modification to their consent with respect to this component of the development.”

A TfNSW spokesperson said it would continue to work with WWCC to consider any solutions or alternative locations Bunnings put forward that were consistent with the relevant guidelines to ensure acceptable outcomes for the state road network and the community that used it.

“Transport for NSW is responsible for assessing transport impacts of private developments on the state road network and providing advice to the relevant consent authority, such as the local council,” the spokesperson said.

“Developers are responsible for identifying and implementing suitable arrangements to manage associated traffic impacts.”

TfNSW is currently investigating improvements to the transport network in Wagga with a focus on the Olympic and Sturt highways.

A key objective of the project is to develop an overall strategy to manage the transport network along the Sturt and Olympic highway corridors, including major intersections, such as the Pearson Street and Sturt Highway roundabout.

Click here to learn more about the Wagga Wagga Northern Access Strategy and how it is progressing, or to provide feedback.