Forbes Mayor Ron Penny is looking forward to watching council’s new Forbes Homemaker Centre take shape, after presiding over the start of construction at the former Midstate Saleyards site yesterday.
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Cr Penny was joined at the official ‘turning of the sod’ yesterday afternoon by representatives of project managers, Projects and Infrastructure (P+I), builders Richard Crookes Constructions, independent certifiers, Arup, and fellow councillors and senior staff.
Cr Penny is excited that the wait for the start of construction is over.
“This is a significant day for Forbes as well as our region and signifies the level of confidence that major retailers have in Forbes,” said Mayor Penny.
The commencement of construction of the Forbes Homemaker Centre marks the end of a long road with Mayor Penny acknowledging the persistence of all the parties.
Richard Crookes Constructions representative Hamish Crookes said the site would be cleared over the next few weeks, with cut and fill earthworks to follow.
The builders, who were also responsible for the new Parkes police station, will then move on to preparation of the concrete slab for the Bunnings store.
Cr Penny said it was a great relief to see work start yesterday.
“The level of commitment from the beginning to this point has been significant and it is pleasing to see the efforts of many come to fruition.
“The Forbes Homemakers Centre will transform the old sale yards site into a vibrant new business and retail centre and that all starts today,” he said.
The Bunnings store is expected to be open by mid 2014 and construction of the Spotlight store is expected to commence in the coming months.
