Wall to wall hardware

BUNNINGS Goulburn will open its doors to customers by the end of this year and developers say there will be at least 100 permanent jobs secured for residents by the megastore.

H Troon, a Ballarat building company, began construction on the complex late last year.

All concrete wall panels have been installed and over half the structural steel has been erected.

Set to be over nine metres tall, and encompassing the good part of the three hectare block across from the Big Merino, it is believed that the total project will cost the retail giant more than $23 million to complete.

Residents can expect the warehouse will include an indoor trade arena, landscape supply yard, external timber trade, outdoor nursery, café, kids playground and a 204 space car park.

Managing director of Bunnings NSW John Gillam said: “We are excited about the progress of the new warehouse in Goulburn, and we are looking forward to bringing a new store that offers community support, employment opportunities and convenience.”

He said the store is on track, on budget and on schedule.

In line with Bunnings’ commitment to sustainability, the Goulburn store will be tailored for water and energy harvesting, Mr Gillam said. A solar hot water system will be installed alongside an evaporative cooling system.

Four underground water tanks, with capacities of up to 35,000, will be used to irrigate the nursery and supply the toilets.

A recycled water tank will also collect run off from the nursery to reuse on surrounding landscapes.

Basin tap flow restrictors, half flush cistern adaptors and water fittings and fixtures will also aid in keeping aqua consumption low.

In a bid to curb high energy consumption Bunnings will use LED lighting for all external perimeters of the car park and nursery.

“Over 80 per cent of a store’s annual footprint can be attributed to electricity from lighting, making energy efficient lighting measures a priority,” Mr Gillam said.

A tri level lighting system, which automatically dims artificial light when natural sunlight is detected, will also be installed. Skylights will be one of the main features, harvesting natural daylight hours.