VICTORIAN Planning Minister, Justin Madden, yesterday approved the planning permits for the $50 million redevelopment of Gateway Plaza in Warrnambool, with construction set to start early next year.

The planning permits will allow for a food court and outdoor seating, a supermarket and new specialty stores to be constructed. A total of 8,560 square metres of leasable floorspace is proposed. The redevelopment will also provide for an additional 319 parking spaces, a new vehicle access point from Gateway Road and a new loading area.

Mr Madden said the Victorian government is committed to key projects in regional Victoria. "We have made record investments in our regions and have set out a blueprint to drive a new era of opportunity and prosperity."

The proposal was called-in by the Minister from VCAT and has been referred to an Advisory Committee.