Published on Thursday, 11 July 2024 at 4:57:44 PM
A section of Council Drive in Eaton is now closed to make way for the $80 million Eaton Fair Expansion by Citygate Properties.
Shire of Dardanup President Cr Tyrrell Gardiner said the road closure marks a pivotal step towards enhancing the precinct with the Citygate project set to boost the community infrastructure and amenities.
Cr Gardiner said the partial closure of Council Drive, initiated yesterday, is to allow for the demolition of the old Shire of Dardanup administration building, followed by construction of the Eaton Fair expansion.
"The Eaton Fair Expansion project, scheduled to commence later this year and expected to be completed by December 2025, promises to transform Eaton Fair into a dynamic town centre," Cr Gardiner said.
"The development will introduce new retail outlets, a cinema, a children's playground, and new residential apartments, catering to the growing needs and preferences of our residents.
“We are excited about the opportunities this expansion brings to our community. This project represents a significant investment in urban planning and will contribute positively to Eaton's vibrancy."
Cr Gardiner encouraged the community to be patient and take care during the works and construction.
"This collaborative approach between the Shire of Dardanup and shopping centre developers Citygate Properties has been a long time coming and involved significant consultation periods with key stakeholders – we're excited to see the project progress," he said.
"The development had been guided by the Eaton Fair Activity Centre Plan, which was first endorsed by the WA Planning Commission in 2017 and amended three years later with updated concepts.”
“A Design Review Panel reviewed the design and provided input prior to Citygate lodging its Development Application with the Shire in 2023, which was approved by the Joint Development Assessment Panel, ensuring a significant and positive contribution to the community and vibrancy of Eaton would be achieved.”
Cr Gardiner emphasised that the Shire's new Library, Administration, and Community Building is at the heart of this exciting development, providing excellent community access and centralising services in a convenient location.
"We've already seen so many benefits to bringing our library and administration offices into the one location, with our library attracting almost 200 new members since opening its doors in March," he said.
Looking ahead, the Shire is preparing for future growth, including the development of the new city of Wanju by 2050.
"We anticipate significant population growth in the Greater Bunbury region by 2031," Cr Gardiner said.
"It is essential to lay the groundwork now to accommodate this growth and secure a prosperous future for generations to come."
For more information visit the Eaton Fair website at https://eatonfair.com.au/growth/
Photo: A concept plan of the Eaton Fair Expansion from the Eaton Fair Activity Centre Plan.
Media enquiries to: Tahnia Creedon, Shire of Dardanup Communications Officer | tahnia.creedon@dardanup.wa.gov.au | 0436 942 509.
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