A Big little move
THE Big Prawn will be on the move in the week beginning September 3, according to Bunnings.
The Prawn site at West Ballina is now just a shell of its former self, with the old service station and restaurant now demolished to make way for the Bunnings Warehouse.
The Prawn still stands in the same spot it has been since 1990 when built, but will be moved on-site as part of the $31m redevelopment of the 2.5-hectare site, with plans for a makeover of the crustacean.
John Gillam, Bunnings managing director, said: "Right from the start, we recognised the importance of the Big Prawn to many in the Ballina community. Right at the moment, we are currently relocating it to its new home near the entry to the site."
The new warehouse, expected to be completed mid next year, will include a main warehouse, indoor timber trade sales area and outdoor nursery.
The development of the Ballina warehouse will also provide parking for over 250 cars.
The 44 existing team members at the current store on Southern Cross Dr will be employed in the new store, and will be joined by 70 new workers.
Construction, being undertaken by De Luca Corporation, also will employ 180 people.
The Big Prawn was set for demolition until Bunnings bought the site and saved the crustacean.
