Leading Tasmanian construction company, Fairbrother Pty Ltd, has been chosen to develop a major $15 million retail and commercial centre in Port Sorell. Fairbrother will construct a new development on a 4.3 ha site in Alexander Street, specifically ear-marked by the Latrobe Council for this purpose.

In making the announcement yesterday Mayor Mike Gaffney said, “The current retail and commercial centre in Port Sorell was recognised by the community as being far too small to cater for the long term needs of the region. The Latrobe municipality has had an increasing population for the last 10 years with the largest percentage of this growth being in Port Sorell.”

Mayor Gaffney added, “The existing CBD will be marketed as a boutique and lifestyle area for cafés, restaurants, shopping, residential and accommodation opportunities and we have revisited our planning scheme and created a special overlay to allow this to happen.”

Fairbrother’s Managing Director, Mr Craig Edmunds remarked that his Company was “delighted to be the chosen developer and was looking forward to working with the Latrobe Council on this significant project. The Company was aiming to progressively develop the area over a 7 – 8 year period, with stage one planned to commence in February 2008 and be open for operation later that year. The anchor tenant for stage one would be a large supermarket supported by business outlets. A medical centre and a child care centre are also planned for the early stages with later stages to provide for the addition of further major retail stores, takeaway food outlets and a possible recreation and transport hub.”

Mayor Mike Gaffney felt that “a key feature of the centre will be a modern architectural design reflective of the region’s idyllic coastal environment. As such, the design will include high quality natural landscaping providing plenty of shade, will utilise storm water effectively and also provide a central playground space for children. Fairbrother Pty Ltd has an excellent reputation within the building industry and I am confident the development will be creative, progressive and suitable for the area.”

Mr Edmunds said, “Fairbrother planned to further refine their design over the next six months and would work together with the Council, the community, existing retail and commercial operators to ensure the final design provided the best possible outcome. This is a major development and an exciting opportunity. Latrobe Council is to be congratulated on their vision and strategic planning for both an aged care facility and this multi million dollar development.”

MEDIA INQUIRIES:
Craig Edmunds, Managing Director Fairbrother P/L Ph: (03) 6420 7000