The Williamsdale site has been out of action since 2012. Photo: Google Maps.
A defunct service station on the ACT’s southern border is about to be reborn after the site was snapped up by a national fuel retailer, only this time it will offer electric vehicle chargers as well.
The Suburban Land Agency has sold Williamsdale Block 1405 at auction to Pearl Energy for $1.22 million.
The 10,934 sqm site, located on the Monaro Highway, was previously home to a service station for 51 years before closing in 2012.
Under the terms of sale, any new petrol station will have to provide six high-voltage electric vehicle (EV) charging stations.
The SLA said that with the site located on a major transport route and plenty of open space, it was well positioned as a future hub for renewable energy infrastructure and regional services.
“With direct access to the Monaro Highway, this block offers a rare opportunity to shape the future of infrastructure between Canberra and Cooma, the Snowy Mountains and beyond,” SLA Acting Chief Executive Officer Sally Gilbert said.
“This site is well-placed for housing renewable energy infrastructure like EV charging stations and provides the perfect mid-point and last stop off between the snow and the coast.”
The location offers the opportunity for a renewable energy hub, says the SLA. Photo: SLA.
The site is located next to a renewable energy precinct, with the 11.137 MW, 29 ha Williamsdale Solar Park to the rear, and adjacent to that, the grid-scale battery being developed by Eku Energy in partnership with the ACT Government.
Pearl Energy operates 161 service stations across four states, partnering with Mobil Oil, BP Australia and Ampol, but is also eyeing other energy options.
Its website says it is continually looking at ways to help the environment by using solar power at all outlets and by commencing a strategy to introduce “hydrogen cell” technology at selected outlets.
The SLA said a Development Application would follow settlement on the site and include community consultation.
The former ACTEW Corporation, now known as Icon Water, bought the block from long-time owner Bob Moore for $1 million in 2009, but retained the service station, which Mr Moore operated until ill health forced him to close in 2012.
The NUZ2 – Rural Zone block was auctioned on 26 November. Ray White Commercial handled the marketing for the SLA.
