24-Hour Fuel and Convenience Proposed for Growing Teralba
The north-west corner of Lake Macquarie could soon gain a significant new amenity with plans for a 24-hour petrol station and convenience store now formally submitted to the local council. A development application has been lodged to completely redevelop the existing Enhance service station located at the strategic corner of Anzac Parade and York Street in Teralba.
Details of the Proposed Redevelopment
Under the ambitious proposal, the current single-storey service station and its attached automotive repair workshop, which have occupied the 493.2-square-metre site since 1990, would be demolished. In its place, a modern new service station would be constructed, featuring four fuel pumps and a significantly larger 122-square-metre convenience store.
The most notable change for the community is the proposed operating schedule. The application, prepared by Sydney firm Cubitic Consulting, seeks approval for the facility to operate 24 hours a day, seven days a week. This is a major expansion from the current hours of 5am to 10pm on weekdays and 6am to 9pm on weekends.
Catering to a Growing Community's Needs
The driving force behind the application is the documented growth in the Teralba area. The consultants argue that the expanded operation is essential to properly service the expanding local community, support flexible travel and freight patterns, and provide access to essential services outside of standard business hours.
"This operation will also enhance the site's role as a service hub within the local centre zone, allowing customers to refuel and purchase everyday items within a single, convenient location," the DA states. It further assures that appropriate management measures will be implemented to prevent any adverse impacts on surrounding properties from the around-the-clock activity.
The proposal also includes practical upgrades to the site's infrastructure, such as widening the driveway to accommodate additional service lanes. An assessment by traffic engineering consultant AMH Traffic forecasts that the redeveloped station would increase morning trips from 77 to 147, while afternoon trips are expected to remain steady at 99.
