It's been a long time coming, with an application to construct a Dan Murphy's on Yambil Street first being lodged in 2020 - but approval has finally been granted to use the vacant lot next to the Griff Hotel as an expansion opportunity.

The approval was finalised on June 3, and construction on the anticipated building can now begin. Consent for development will expire on September 30 2025, five years from the initial approval.

The plans include an expansion of the famed motel, installation of the bottleshop and two additional carparks for customers - as well as a loading bay. While Council initially agreed to the application provided a gate was installed on the Banna Lane access road, The Griffith Hotel Pty Ltd pushed to remove the gate and ensure access to the carpark for all.

Updated plans from the developers were submitted on December 8 2021, and it's these plans that have been approved.

A letter from publican Jim Knox noted that the access to both Yambil Street and Banna Lane was a major appeal in the first place.

"Dan Murphy's was originally attracted to the site due to the corner allotment with dual access to Banna lane and Yambil Street, and ease of access to the Griffith CBD."

"This could potentially decrease retail sales and arguable devalue the site as ease of access and aggress from retail stores is an important consideration for shoppers in Griffith."

While historically, the space has housed a drive-through bottleshop, the new installation will not have this feature. The space will however feature abundant car parking and access to both Yambil Street and Banna Lane, adding another route between the two.

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