A MAJOR step has been taken by Warrnambool City Council to open up the Horne Road industrial estate to development.
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Councillors resolved this week to endorse the development plan for the Horne Road estate, located on the city’s eastern outskirts.
City strategy manager Kirsty Miller said the path towards development had been a long process but claimed this week’s decision would result in development sooner rather than later.
“An industrial land use review in 2010 found the area near Horne Road was suitable for a new precinct given that the availability of that type of land was in short supply,” she said.
“Endorsement of the plan is another step towards increasing development-ready land.
“There is capacity in this plan for both small, medium and large industrial developments which gives Warrnambool city the ability to attract a wide variety of operators once work gets under way.”
Ms Miller said the plan also provided for parkland along its eastern boundary, allowing for future recreational use by pedestrians and cyclists.
Cr Rob Askew said the Horne Road site would allow for an easing of industrial land prices, which are higher than what is commonly preferable.
Cr Kylie Gaston said the development was an exciting opportunity to grow the south-west’s industrial base.
The land involved covers 65 hectares (160 acres) bordered by Horne Road to the east, Rodgers Road to the north and Dales Road forms its southern boundary.
Horne Road was originally a gravel track until $8 million was spent to convert the link to bitumen from the Princes Highway to Wangoom Road.