Forbes is set to gain yet another major shopping complex after the Shire Council on Thursday approved the supermarket/variety store complex submitted by the Bernardi family for their premises in Lachlan Street, opposite Forbes Public School.

The approval comes after years of property acquisition, planning and consultation by the family.

The commitment to such a significant investment demonstrates the families confidence in the future of Forbes, and they are very excited that they can now begin the process of drawing up engineering and building specifications prior to calling for tenders.

One stipulation to the successful tenders is that what can be supplied locally will be.

“We are very conscious that we have local support and we want to repay that in every possible way,” Tony Bernardi said yesterday.

The present complex has grown from a small convenience store opened forty years ago, to the successful supermarket of today.

However, the Bernardi family feel now is the time to further their supermarket and Discount Dave’s investment in Forbes.

“The project will consolidate the shops on to only one side of the street for much greater customer convenience and safety, with no need to cross a busy thoroughfare,” Mr Bernardi said.

“Our new premises will offer a modern, pleasant, technologically advanced and convenient shopping place for customers.

“An untidy and rather ugly jumble of buildings will be transformed into a modern and attractive precinct,” Mr Bernardi added.

The building, designed by Mark Watts of Highland Design in Forbes, in consultation with architect Wayne Petrie of Architectureraw of Orange will present an attractive, modern façade that will be in keeping with the historic character, and the climate of the town.

The innovative plan incorporates the very latest in building techniques and design, the exterior broken into three different modules to soften and vary the bulk of the building.

Full story in Tuesday's Advocate