A PARCEL of former residential land in Robinvale is one step closer to becoming a $1.5 million Subway franchise following months of controversy that has divided residents in the town.
Swan Hill councillors endorsed a decision to sell the land at 71-77 Bromley Road for commercial development at a meeting on Tuesday night after a four-week public tender period.
The council’s decision to sell the 2000 sq m of land in May was met with outrage from many in the community, who wrote a petition, gathered almost 500 signatures and contributed 79 submissions opposing the sale.
But Robinvale ward councillor Jade Benham suggested the Subway development was a way to bring 24-hour services to the area and boost employment opportunities.
“Everyone looks at multinationals and corporates as a bad thing but that’s the only way we are ever going to get 24-hour services around here because small businesses just can’t sustain that — not in a town of 8000 people,” she said.
“(The construction) has to be done within two years but I dare say, once they get that green light, the process will begin.
“It helps for jobs … we know we are struggling for labour as well … but this is another alternative for young people to have job.”
Preserving the historic significance of the land was at the centre of the controversy, while various submissions also argued a commercial development should not be established on the western side of Bromley Road as it would affect other businesses.
Planning consultant Roy Costa, who represents Subway’s franchise owner, said the decision was “most welcomed” by his clients.
“Our clients have put a lot of work and effort into the proposal,” he said.
“Subway will be investing in excess of $1 million, it will generate employment and it will provide food services for a 24-hour period, particularly during harvest.
“It will also provide facilities within the park such as a gazebo, car parking for the park, plus caravan parking.”
Mr Costa confirmed applying for a planning permit — which would comply with the Swan Hill planning scheme — would be the next step.
“Once built, 4.5 per cent of turnover must be spent in the Robinvale area for local community groups, sporting groups and schools,” he said.
