General News
13 February, 2026
Horsham retail coup: planning permit approved for BCF
National outdoor retailer BCF is set to open a store in Horsham, with planning documents showing a proposal for new commercial buildings across two adjoining sites in the heart of the city.
A development application lodged with Horsham Rural City Council lists works at 31 Wilson Street and 48 Hamilton Street, including the construction of commercial buildings, business identification signage and a partial waiver of car-parking requirements.
BCF, which operates more than 160 boating, camping and fishing stores across Australia, has not yet confirmed an opening date, but the move signals another major national brand setting up in Horsham.
A spokeswoman for Horsham Rural City Council said they could confirm a planning permit was approved on October 25, 2025, for the development of a commercial building at 48 Hamilton Street, Horsham.
"While Council does not comment on the commercial decisions of private businesses, it recognises that new commercial developments can deliver positive outcomes for the broader community," she said.
"These developments can help strengthen retail choice, encourage visitation to the town centre, and support local employment opportunities both during construction and once businesses are operating, contributing to a healthy and sustainable local economy."
Council's chief executive, Gail Gatt, said commercial development has the potential to generate employment during both construction and operation, as well as increased activity for surrounding businesses.
"Council welcomes development that supports our region’s growth and social connectedness and reflects the community’s aspirations for a vibrant, liveable regional centre now and into the future," she said.
“It is encouraging to see continued commercial confidence and private investment in Horsham, which reflects Horsham’s role as a regional centre and confidence in its future growth.”
In confirming the planning permit, the council stopped short of confirming the tenancy arrangements.
"Council isn’t at liberty to confirm tenancy arrangements for prospective tenants, and information regarding tenancy arrangements should be sought directly from the property owner,” the spokeswoman said.
West Vic Business chair Mark Clyne said a BCF store in Horsham would excite the region’s strong outdoor recreation community.
He added that BCF, out of all the franchises, seemed to be one of the more popular ones, and it will give people more choice.
"I think a lot of people are buying out of town, so to have (retailers like BCF) in town, local jobs, a local presence, is certainly better than money spent in Ballarat, Bendigo or Warrnambool when people travel through," Mr Clyne said.
"For years, Horsham has tried to protect the businesses in retail.
“I was in retail 20 years ago, and we had Harvey Norman come to town when I was in Betta Electrical, and we embraced the business coming to town.
“We actually embraced it that much; we built next to them.
"Retail is an aggressive environment and it's changing all the time, you've got to be on top of your game and make sure you have competitive pricing, the stock and make sure you've got the knowledge and service."
Mr Clyne said locals have seen big changes over the years, including a business locally changing to a franchise, which was received well by the general public and trades.
He said BCF's addition to Horsham would cement the city as a regional centre for shopping.
"I know there are some business existing that will be concerned there is another competitor in the market, but if you've got a competitor in the market, you want them in the same town, you don't want them a couple of hours away because if they are that far away you can't compete with them physically on service etc," Mr Clyne said.
"And then there is obviously online shopping, so if people can't get the goods here, they are buying them online or travelling.
"So to have a store like BCF here locally is good, and at the end of the day, the customer shops with their feet, and if they like it, they will patronise it, and if they don't, they won't."
Super Retail Group, which owns and operates BCF, along with Rebel and Supercheap, was contacted for comment but did not respond.