General News
25 February, 2023
Room for 40 houses at council CBD site
Up to 40 new homes could be built on land to be vacated by Horsham Rural City Council - in a prime spot close to the CBD. Real estate agents predict as many as 40 townhouse-type dwellings could be built on the three-hectare site. Council's plans to...
Up to 40 new homes could be built on land to be vacated by Horsham Rural City Council - in a prime spot close to the CBD.
Real estate agents predict as many as 40 townhouse-type dwellings could be built on the three-hectare site.
Council's plans to move its operations depot from Selkirk Drive to Plumpton Road will free up land that is already zoned residential.
Wes Davidson Real Estate sales manager Rob Dolan said this was exciting news as Horsham suffered a lack of available housing and land on which to build.
"And it's within walking distance to many facilities," he said.
Aldi supermarket is nearby as is a doctors' premises. Land zoned residential could not be used for industrial or commercial premises.
Harcourts Horsham principal Mark Clyne also believes the move is positive.
It would also remove the exisiting need for heavy equipment to drive through the city's centre.
Mr Clyne said a flood-study overlay showed a section of the land was flood-prone, but this could easily be turned into a water feature.
The new depot, also about three hectares, is on land owned by hay exporter Johnson Asahi, which is moving to Wimmera Agricultural and Logistics Hub at Dooen.
The new depot site, south west of the river, is zoned commercial.
HRCC CEO Sunil Bhalla said outdoor staff had no option at present but to drive heavy equipment through busy streets to reach the current depot.
“The new site will provide better heavy vehicle access, more storage, a fleet workshop and more adequate staff amenities,” he said.
Council is still to determine the best possible use for the current depot land.