THERE is finally some action at the prime commercial site in Millicent which has been earmarked for the $3m On The Run 24/7 service station and retail outlet.
Security fencing was erected on Friday around the vacant Billygoat Corner site which formerly housed a postwar service station, The Junction shopping strip and a parking area.
The area was vacated almost two and a half years after it was sold by the local Croser family to the Adelaide-based Peregrine Corporation.
There has since been no change at the premises other than security measures.
On The Run business development manager Phil Moir said the security fencing was a positive sign the development was well advanced.
Mr Moir said plans for the site were being finalised and would be submitted for regulatory approval.
He would not say whether this would be handled at local level or with the State Government’s Development Assessment Commission.
“It is not far off,” Mr Moir said.
“We have been in discussions with the local council.
“They expressed some concerns about vagrants and illegal vehicle parking at the site and thus security fencing was erected.
“I have been visiting Millicent and talking to people to hear what they want at the On The Run.
“I will be back in Millicent in coming months to identify opportunities and I invited construction contractors to contact us.”
According to Mr Moir, it would take around 26 weeks to finish the project once started.
He could not give an exact construction cost until plans were finalised, but said it was likely to be $2.5m to $3m.
Mr Moir said the fast food outlets to be incorporated would depend on a market assessment.
As a result staffing could not be exactly stated, but Mr Moir estimated it would need at least 30 employees.
There are On The Run outlets at Kingston, Bordertown, Naracoorte and Mount Gambier.
