The state government’s recent approval of a land sale is set to pave the way for the expansion of Eaton Fair and create new job opportunities in the South West.
The Council Drive land in Eaton, currently occupied by the Shire of Dardanup’s Administration Centre, will be sold to facilitate the expansion of Eaton Fair and the redevelopment of the Shire of Dardanup administration buildings including a new community library.
Citygate Properties approached the Shire with an offer to purchase the site for $5 million and an exchange of a nearby 3000 square metres area of land adjoining Eaton Fair for the Shire to relocate their administration buildings and construct a new three storey community library.
Collie-Preston MLA Mick Murray said it was a significant milestone in Eaton’s development that would enable the Eaton Fair precinct to provide residents with greater retail and social opportunities.
“It is a positive outcome for South West communities with the expansion of Eaton Fair and the construction of new Shire buildings set to generate a huge number of jobs in the region,” he said.
“I’m proud the South West is home to such a bustling hub and I look forward to when the developments are complete and adding to our economic vibrancy.
“We are seeing enormous jobs growth opportunities here in the South West with the recent environmental approval for the Albemarle lithium plant, the largest of its kind in WA.”
Shire of Dardanup president Mick Bennett said the project would provide more retails, more jobs and residents more opportunities for social interaction, mainly through the development of a town square.
“The construction phase alone will create 500 construction and service industry jobs which again, is fantastic for our region,” he said.
The latest land sale is part of a multi-stage expansion of the Eaton Fair Precinct, which represents a significant development outcome for the Shire and surrounding locality.
The Northern Centre expansion will deliver 500 construction jobs and a $100 million overall infrastructure boost for the Shire of Dardanup.
The entire multi-stage Eaton Fair expansion plan is expected to create over 700 construction jobs and over 550 direct employment opportunities upon completion.
The majority of the $5 million sale price will be used by the Shire to offset their $14.5 million project to build a three-storey community library and co-located administration building at the new site.
This Shire project is expected to create 75 construction jobs. The remainder of the sale price will be spent on other community facilities in the Shire of Dardanup.