ONE of Warrnambool’s major car dealerships is switching sides, planing a move from the west to the city’s eastern gateway.
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Clinton Baulch Motor Group has lodged plans with Warrnambool City Council to relocate its Nissan and Kia dealership to a site currently home to the Southern Right Motor Inn on Raglan Parade.
The company’s Chrysler, Jeep, Dodge dealership will stay at its current location in west Warrnambool.
The proposal includes two large showrooms, office space, a workshop with four service bays, eight hoists and a repair bay along with 22 parking spaces for staff and visitors.
The new dealership would operate six days a week and employ up to 30 staff.
The application has been bundled with a planning scheme amendment to rezone the stretch of land, home to another two motels, from general residential to commercial zone two.
Councillors voted unanimously on Monday night to seek authorisation from the minister to prepare the planning scheme amendment for the rezoning and, once approved, to prepare and exhibit a combined amendment and planing permit application.
Submissions will be called for during the month-long exhibition period.
A report to councillors said the the residential zone was considered inappropriate for the existing and proposed uses for the site. It said commercial zone two was most appropriate because its purpose was consistent with the current use and proposed future use.
Councillor Kylie Gaston said she was happy to endorse the plans, adding the proposed rezoning suited the eastern precinct and corrected an anomaly.
“In this case the rezoning and construction together to me is very straightforward, it’s consistent with the planning schemes of the eastern precinct,” she said.
“It’s really great to see Clinton Baulch’s group expanding and I certainly wish them all the best with this speedy and hectic transition.”
Cr Rob Askew said the expansion showed confidence in Warrnambool and the district in a commercial sense.
Cr Jacinta Ermacora said it was an opportunity to support a local business and the move could activate the area.
Cr Brian Kelson said the motion made a lot of sense and said it was fantastic to see a local business thriving.
Cr Peter Sycopoulis said this was the first part of the process but he was happy to support it and wished the business the best.
Acting mayor Peter Hulin said the move was a positive one and the development would be completed before housing has expanded around the area.
