OLIVER’S Real Food will open its new store in Bulahdelah soon, but not as soon as they had hoped.

While converting the old Café into the new Oliver’s store, the construction crew discovered considerable structural damage to the building.

As a result, work has been halted at the site and a Development Application and Statement of Environmental Effects now need to be considered by MidCoast Council before a Construction Certificate can be issued.

Oliver’s Project Manager Ben Wotton, said as the Stroud Street location is a Heritage Zone, and the whole area is part of a Marine Reserve, strict approvals are required before renovation work can be undertaken.

“We are working closely with Bruce Moore, MidCoast Council’s Manager of Development Assessment Planning, to get the matter resolved as soon as possible. Bruce has been very helpful,” Ben said.

Oliver’s have appointed Town Planning Consultant Bob Lander of Tattersall Lander Pty Ltd to shepherd the applications through Council and get the project back on track as soon as possible.

News Of The Area contacted MidCoast Council for comment, and are awaiting their response.

Ben said while working through the approval process, which could take up to three months, Oliver’s will bring forward one of their many other projects to replace Bulahdelah in their building schedule.

“We are proud of what we have achieved in assuring the structural integrity of the building and we hope to be able to bring Bulahdelah back into the building schedule soon,” Ben said.

Oliver’s are investing a significant amount of additional capital for the repairs.

“This will ensure the iconic building will long continue to greet travellers as they cross the bridge into the township of Bulahdelah,” Ben said.

The unexpected holdup will also delay the employment of up to a dozen locals, and a new attraction to draw more people into the bypassed township.

Oliver’s expect the new Bulahdelah store will now open mid-October.

 

By John SAHYOUN