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LIQUOR giant Dan Murphy’s has confirmed that it will build its $750,000 Tasmanian base at the former Office Works site on Launceston’s Bathurst Street. Plans for the development were lodged with Launceston City Council last month, including a change of use, construction of an entry canopy, awnings, an ancillary car park and signage. The company must receive approval from the council, followed by approval of a liquor licence before the Woolworths-owned facility can be built. A Dan Murphy’s spokeswoman said a timeframe could not be provided, and would not release the site’s development application before its scheduled advertising on Wednesday. The spokeswoman confirmed the 44-48 Bathurst Street address as the site for construction, but would not stray from lines provided to Fairfax Media last week. ‘‘We hope to open our first Tasmanian Dan Murphy’s store in Launceston,’’ she said. ‘‘We know customers are looking forward to our arrival – hundreds already receive Dan Murphy’s deliveries each week and we have close to 2000 My Dan Murphy’s members residing in Tasmania.’’ Launceston mayor Albert van Zetten said the proposal would assist the city’s economy. ‘‘The positive thing out of it all is that there’s mainland companies that want to be in Launceston,’’ Alderman van Zetten said. ‘‘They see potential, and from that point of view it’s very positive – it’s also positive to see the Office Works site being developed.’’ He said the perceived influx of bottle shop developments for the municipality was something determined by the market. ‘‘Alcohol is something that is legal, it’s allowed to be sold,’’ Alderman van Zetten said. ‘‘If people want to sell it, the market would sort out how many can and can’t sell. ‘‘It’s just a good sign they believe there’s a market here – people believing in Launceston is a good thing.’’

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