SERVICE station giant OTR is set to continue its push into the Gawler region, with plans for a new Evanston Gardens facility being revealed for the first time.

Recently-released Gawler Council documents show the Peregrine Corporation, which runs the OTR franchise, has purchased land on the corner of Angle Vale Road and Jack Cooper Drive for $1.31 million, with the intention of establishing a service station there.

The sale of the 8933sqm parcel of land came with no requirement for Peregrine Corporation to receive planning consent prior to the purchase settlement.

Peregrine Corporation initially offered the council $1.05 million for the land when it first flagged its interest in the purchase.

The settlement date of the purchase is June 30, with environmental investigations into the suitability of the land still to be conducted.

Preliminary plans for the proposed service station include automatic and manual car wash bays and a large building for “affiliated retail/services” separate from a smaller control building.

The plans also indicates the precinct will have 84 car parks.

OTR currently employs 3000 people in South Australia, including 533 currently living in the area between Two Wells, Gawler, Cavan and Elizabeth.

In its proposal for purchase, Peregrine Corporation said the proposed facility will boost the local economy.

“The development of a facility as is planned for Evanston (Gardens) will provide significant local employment benefits,” the proposal stated.

“This evidence is that OTR will employ locals.”

The proposed development would neighbour the Evanston Gardens Primary School, community centre, and library.

OTR currently operates one service station in the Gawler area, on Main North Road in Evanston.

Gawler Council was contacted for comment but was unable to respond by The Bunyip’s deadline.