D’Aguilar Service Station - In with the New and the Old!
Published 03 June 2022
A complete re-design of the proposed D’Aguilar Service Station, more in keeping with the original D’Aguilar Corner Store, has been given the green light for development. The initial design had raised concerns from local people who felt replacing the old general store with an ultra-modern facility would erode the heritage values of the town.
While the old shop can’t be saved, the new fuel station has retained the traditional character of the old store while improving safety and access for patrons. Customers will be able to drive into the fuel station and fuel up from one of 8 new fuel bowsers. There are also several parking spots available to make shopping or dining easier. The aim is to allow more people to use the facilities as previously only street parking was available.
Mayor Peter Flannery praised CDC Developments for listening to the community and understanding their fondness for the existing D’Aguilar Corner Store building.
Mayor Flannery said, “While the D’Aguilar Corner Store is not listed on the State or Local Heritage Registers, it has a place in the heart of the community who really want to see some of the original building characteristics maintained.
“CDC Developments initially proposed a very flash, modern design for the new fuel station which raised concerns from local people who felt demolishing the old general store might erode the heritage values of the town.
“Taking on community feedback, CDC Developments went back to the drawing board and came up with a building that maintains the character of the old corner store.
“The developer has done a great job of combining a fit-for-purpose design without sacrificing the look and feel of the original 1928 building.
“I really hope the community appreciates the efforts of the developer to maintain the D’Aguilar Store’s ‘olde worlde’ character while providing a much-needed, expanded service station, car wash, general store and food outlet on the site.”
Councillor Tony Latter (Division 12) acknowledged that the D’Aguilar corner store, which has stood on the corner of Wood St and the D’Aguilar Highway since 1928, has a rich history.
“We know the community has strong feelings about keeping the heritage look and feel of their much-loved, old building which has seen the township grow up around it over the past 100 years.
“Moreton Bay Council received 17 submissions from the community asking us to consider the heritage value of the original building.
“While keeping the old building was not a viable option, I’m really pleased that CDC Developments was open to incorporating heritage features into their architectural design and re-designed the entire development following community feedback.
“It’s important that Council’s processes are transparent and allow community members to have their say.
The existing servo and shop will make way for a modern interpretation of the old general store, but it will also be expanded to house complementary retail tenancies, attracting new businesses to the township and giving it a boost.
Councillor Latter said it would be interesting to see the completed building and mural planned for the Mount Mee Road frontage and the new landscaping.
“The developer is working with Woodford Historical Society to commission a heritage mural which will be a striking feature for locals and visitors as they drive up to the new service station and shops.
“Building a brand-new facility on the original site will provide a great amenity for grey nomads passing through on their way to Kilcoy, and motorcyclists coming off the popular Mt Mee route. This will also go a long way in making Woodford an RV friendly town, another boost for our local community.
“According to the Campervan and Motorhome Club of Australia (CMCA), there are about 620,000 RVs in Australia whose owners spend around $770 a week in the towns they visit. Given how slow business has been with COVID and flooding it would be great to see RV travellers stop, stay and spend in D’Aguilar.”