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Commercial and industrial boom in Wodonga in 2011
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Posted: 24/01/2012
THE high number of commercial and industrial projects in 2011 has seen the value of Wodonga's building works remain very solid.
With record figures in 2010 of $151,259,944 for overall works, the 2011 statistics show continued strong performance with a figure of $141,479,486 spent on overall building works.
The most significant increase for 2011 has been in the commercial/industrial sector - increasing by approximately 20 per cent - from 71 projects in 2010 ($53,811,418) to 88 in 2011 ($64,837,694).
Among the 88 commercial/industrial permits were White Box Rise Shopping Centre, The Cube Wodonga, Wodonga TAFE's driver education facility at LOGIC, new medical centre in High St, truck sales and service centre in West Wodonga, and major additions to the Wodonga Senior Secondary College.
In residential, a total of 321 new houses and units were also approved in 2011 with a value of $70,520,863.
Wodonga Mayor Cr Mark Byatt said Wodonga has always experienced strong residential growth and we are seeing that trend continue.
“What is exciting for Wodonga is that this growth is now being complimented by increased commercial/industrial development which brings with it increased economic benefits and more job opportunities,” he said.
“Good examples of the commercial/industrial growth include the new 3300sqm new concept Woolworths supermarket at White Box Rise, which is considered one of the city's largest supermarkets.
"It is serviced by 144 staff in total including 70 brand new jobs.”
Cr Byatt said the exciting Cube Wodonga project is on schedule to be completed during the second half of 2012, again creating more employment opportunities, and providing a great venue for visitors to the city.
“As well as being a terrific conference venue, The Cube Wodonga will also be capable of hosting a range of shows and events including major bands, comedians and theatre shows, all of which will increase visitor numbers to our city; and this benefits our local economy, our retailers and tourism operators,” he said.
Cr Byatt said that even with ongoing uncertain global and economic times, he expected Wodonga's residential growth to remain relatively strong primarily as an outcome of the city's liveability, and the availability of a diverse flat land bank for continued development.
“Wodonga has a range of residential estates of various sizes, incorporating great liveability characteristics including Riverside Estate, Whenby Grange, White Box Rise Estate, Valley Views, Castel Verde Rise, Wattle Glen, Alpine Views and Meridian Estate,” he said.
