Highway redevelopment on track

The $7.5 million Highway Hotel redevelopment which includes a 1430sqm Dan Murphy’s liquor store is on time and on budget to open in October, according to the developers.

Tilt-up concrete panels have been erected at the site on the corner of Forrest Avenue and Spencer Street, which is poised to become one of the biggest liquor outlets in the South West.

Hotel owner Woolworths, in a joint venture with Australian Leisure and Hospitality Group, have also undertaken a major refurbishment of the iconic hotel which includes a bigger bistro, new-look lounge areas, improved function rooms, new kitchen and contemporary bar.

ALH Group national property manager Barry Cloke said although a Woolworths spokesman told the South Western Times in November the hotel and liquor shop would be completed by August, it was on track to open in the fourth quarter.

‘‘Lots of things happened that changed the opening day of the project but there’s quite a few more steps to go through in WA than other states but I’m confident the store is going to open in October this year,’’ he said.

‘‘The fact that the panels are going up at the moment suggest we are well and truly on track to achieve that.’’

Woolworths community relations manager Simon Berger said Dan Murphy’s would bring a ‘‘whole new level of choice, range, service and value’’ to Bunbury.