MORE than 70 new jobs have been created in Maribyrnong as part of Bunnings Warehouse’s first two-storey complex in Victoria.
The $45 million Bunnings Warehouse Highpoint opens its doors next Monday following a year-long construction period.
Complex manager Travis Patchett said that at more than 17,000 square metres, the new Rosamond Road store would be three times the size of the existing company warehouse in Maribyrnong, which would be closed.
“This is a unique project and I think it will do very well in this area,” he said. “We have 100 team members who will be coming across from the existing store and we have brought in 73 new members in the last two months.”
The new site features an outdoor nursery, drive-through timber yard, a landscape yard and a range of kitchen and bathroom displays.
There are also a playground, café and parking for more than 400 cars.
With an eye to sustainability, the two-storey complex has been built with energy and water-saving design features such as skylights and a 135,000-litre underground rainwater tank to irrigate the outdoor nursery and a 5000-litre tank to supply water for toilets.
Mr Patchett said it was a good feeling to see everything come together in time for Monday’s opening.
“It has been amazing how well everyone has been working together,” he said. “For me, this is something completely new – we haven’t dealt with a second storey here in Victoria before.”
Mr Patchett said the store would meet a growing demand in the area for specialised hardware items, along with outdoor living, leisure and lifestyle products.
The existing Bunnings Warehouse on the corner of White and Rosamond roads will have its final trading day on Monday, the same day the new Bunnings opens its doors.
