Developers have discovered Northern Grampians

Developers have discovered Northern Grampians and they like what they see! 

Construction projects offer many benefits to a community – early on they can create jobs and infrastructure, and the benefits can last for generations. 

“There are some exciting commercial projects either in the planning stage or currently well and truly underway in Stawell and all of them are very welcome,” Councillor Haswell, Mayor of Northern Grampians Shire Council said. 

“It is very positive to watch the progress of some of these projects, whether driving along the highway or wandering along the top end of Main Street,” Cr Haswell added.  

Gordon Williamson is operating a Bed and Breakfast in Stawell. He purchased the business to get a feel for the town, and for being a host, and to see what council was like to work with. 

“We have a local team, Indi and Lauchlan from Grampians Pressure Cleaning, doing the cleaning and maintenance of our B&B and we couldn't be happier.” 

Positive experiences with suppliers and council saw Gordon, his wife Michelle, and brother Andrew purchase the original Mechanics Institute Building in Main Street, Stawell. When complete, this beautiful, refurbished building will boast three apartments, a restaurant and a café. 

Gordon’s final project is closely linked with the Mechanics Institute building. Gordon and Michelle purchased 2 Wakeham Street to stage elements of the Mechanics Institute building prior to installation. 

“There have been many challenges and frustrations along the way, but I can honestly say that the Northern Grampians Shire Council team has been awesome to work with.  

Ryan Pridham, Regional Manager, Western Victoria for Sherridon Homes is working on a large development project in Sloane Street, Stawell. Sherridon Homes has purchased and subdivided land into 103 sites of various sizes. Titles are issued for stage 1 and construction of the first 30 buildings will start in a matter of weeks. 

Each house will be fully detached on individual Titles. Stage two of this substantial project comes next with the construction of roads expected early 2025. 

Sherridon Homes encourages local trades and service suppliers to stay up to date on progress because when housing construction begins there will be positions available.  

Similarly, anyone who is interested in purchasing a home and land package is encouraged to look at their website https://www.fringelily.com.au/

Barkly Property Ventures has approved plans to develop new tourist accommodation in Stawell. The developer recently submitted a grant application to build a 75 room Quality Inn motel that would cater to tourists visiting the Grampians.  If successful, they hope to break ground in January 2025 and open around July 2026. This project would create 174 direct construction jobs and 53 ongoing jobs in hospitality. 

With Quality Inn part of the Choice Hotels chain, this project would make Stawell part of their international tourism network bringing the natural beauty on our doorstep to the attention of the 63 million members in their global members’ program.  

“We are thrilled with the overwhelming support we’ve received from the Northern Grampians Shire Council, local vendors, and local businesses. This project is critical to continue expanding the region’s tourism economy. Our economic analysis shows that the facility would benefit the community to the tune of $150M – an exciting prospect for the region,” Sam Ballantyne, Director, Barkly Property Ventures said.