Building owner Kennington Commercial has submitted plans with the City of Greater Bendigo, claiming the new spaces will be “complimentary” to existing businesses at neighbouring Strath Village and Strath Hill shopping centres.

The extension will add 732 square metres of floor space to Kennington Village.

The works are in addition to the approved construction of a restaurant and retail space next to the Condon Street car park entrance.

The planning submission, completed by Tomkinson Group, states the expansion is a response to the interest shown by businesses to set up in Kennington.

“More businesses are looking to take residence in the facility and an extension is proposed to meet the space required,” the submission reads.

“Pedestrian footpaths are proposed to integrate the proposed building with the existing buildings and infrastructure on-site. 

“The additional proposed landscaping works to the Marnie Road frontage will provide added aesthetic quality to the site, enhancing the existing landscaping present.”

Kennington Commercial is also seeking to add new walls to Brumbies, and reconfigure the Tattslotto at the centre’s entrance.

The plans were updated in late November and could go before council in the new year.

They involve the installation of 49 new car parks in the south eastern corner, and the removal of seven.

An existing acoustic sound wall is also expected to “protect” nearby residents from increased noise from the centre.

The planning submission also outlines the owners’ belief that the expansion fits in with the City of Greater Bendigo’s priority for boosting economic activity in the area.

It states the growing area will be better serviced with the addition of a new medical centre and pharmacy, without impacting other nearby businesses.

“It provides more services to residents in a highly accessible location further building upon the 10 minute neighbourhood concept of this provision,” the submission states.

“The proposed development is complementary to the existing businesses of Kennington Village, Strath Village and Strath Hill, providing a centralized location for residents' daily and weekly needs. 

“The proposed medical clinic and pharmacy will provide residents with options for these services within their local area.

“The development will be a natural expansion of the site aesthetically, as it is of a similar design and bulk to the existing building.”

Drivers on Condon Street could also be confronted with a new 9.5 metre-tall advertising sign as part of the development.

The grey sign will include advertisements for Woolworths, BWS and five other tenants.

Kennington Village opened in August 2014, but its planning stages were not without controversy.

In September 2012, former Bendigo councillors described the planning application as “disrespectful” for a perception it did not fit in with the built and natural environment.

The shopping centre was first proposed in 2007 and took seven years before it was officially opened.