On Tuesday, the Temple Economic Development Corporation announced an $18 million retail development project planned for North Temple.
The retail development project, called Bellaire North, will have several retailers and two hotels. It will be located across from Buc-ee's on N. HK Dodgen Loop 363.
"The retail development has been significant to us because since Buc-ee’s, there hasn’t been a lot of development to the North of town, " Charley Ayres, Vice President, Temple EDC said. "This project brings quality retail and restaurants to North Temple, which has significant growth opportunity to serve the thousands of employees that work in our Industrial Parks just across I-35 from the project."
Temple resident James Stone said he believes this would be a good location for the retail center, which will become the first one in North Temple.
"It's probably appropriate. It's a good place for it," Stone said.
The project is also expected to generate additional sales tax revenue. A portion of it helps pay for city operations.
"It gives amenities to citizens. Those amenities are restaurant and other places to eat, places to shop. It helps fund a city’s growth and its progress as they try to add to the community in forms of needs and services," Ayres said.
According to the Temple EDC, the city is considered a regional retail market, meaning it attracts shoppers from different cities in Central Texas, including Cameron and Georgetown.
Dozens of retail jobs are expected to be added thanks to the development, growing a sector that is growing fast in the city.
The project will be completed within 12 to 18 months. The names of the businesses that will be part of the retail center have not been released.
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