Construction on a state-of-the-art service centre, located within the Parkes Special Activation Precinct (SAP) along the new Newell Highway bypass, has begun.
The news was announced this week following a sod-turn ceremony on the site of what will be the BP Highway Service Centre at the junction of the new bypass and Henry Parkes Way (Condobolin Road), to the west of the new roundabout.
The development by the Stevens Group, in partnership with Parkes Shire Council and the NSW Government’s Regional Growth Development Corporation (RGDC), is also located at the Parkes SAP's northern gateway that will connect the precinct with the Parkes town centre and Newell Highway.
The first stage of the project commenced construction in late 2024, with bulk earthworks, servicing and road infrastructure underway.
Once complete the Highway Service Centre will be anchored by BP with a convenience store, truck drivers lounge with showers, laundry and diner, and 26 heavy vehicle parking spaces to provide a much needed rest stop on this significant transport route.
Stage 1 of the northern gateway is set to coincide with the completion of the bypass in mid 2025.
“Wednesday's modest sod-turning ceremony belies the significance of this crucial development," Mayor of Parkes Shire Neil Westcott said.
"This project is more than just a service centre; it serves as the gateway to the heart of national logistics and the Parkes Special Activation Precinct.
"We are thrilled to partner with esteemed developers like the Stevens Group and BP, whose involvement underscores the quality and national importance of this site.
"This development will not only serve the Newell Highway but also the expansive 4700-hectare Eco-industrial Special Activation Precinct."
Along with the service centre, the northern gateway will include a future fast food, commercial and business park.
“Stevens Group is very proud to be part of the Parkes Special Activation Precinct. It is fantastic to see progress on-site on a project we have been working on for many years," said Development Director of the Stevens Group Jason Capuano.
“This first stage of the 20ha Parkes Gateway Precinct will be a state-of-the-art Highway Service Centre that will provide much needed infrastructure to service the Parkes SAP and heavy vehicles using the Newell Highway.
"Future stages will provide a great opportunity for industrial and trade retail businesses to be located closer to their customers.”
Minister for Regional NSW Tara Moriarty said the Newell Highway is the longest and one of the busiest transport routes in regional NSW and that traffic brings opportunities for further growth and investment in the Parkes region.
“With its prime position on the Newell Highway, the Parkes Gateway will offer unique business spaces with highway frontage and the ability to host infrastructure like data centres that will support improved regional networks,” she said.
BP Senior Vice President of Mobility, Convenience and Midstream Australia and New Zealand, Paul Augé added Parkes is a key transport corridor for many drivers, from family road trips to truck drivers travelling across the country.
"This strategic location complements our national network well, offering drivers a convenient place to rest, refuel and recharge for the rest of their journeys," he said.
Special Activation Precincts are part of the $4.2 billion Snowy Hydro Legacy Fund, dedicated to major and transformative infrastructure projects that will benefit regional NSW.
For more information visit www.nsw.gov.au/parkessap