The second-hand building supplies store closed last year and Orange City Council signed off on the $350,000 demolition and new prefabricated buildings for amenities and a showroom in November.

Kennards Hire is expected to be up and running by March.

NSW general manager Garry Chalmers said the move into Orange was part of the company’s regional expansion strategy and would see the company return to its roots after kicking off in Bathurst in 1948.

“We opened in Dubbo a year ago and that has proved very successful, which we believe is due to the high quality standards we aim for in equipment and customer service,” he said.

Mr Chalmers said Orange had been on Kennards’ radar for some time, but they had wanted to wait for the right opportunity.

“The Byng Street location is central, has high street traffic and we believe is one of the best sites available. We plan to further develop the site in the future,” he said.

Although the site is in the city's heritage conservation area, the council okayed the demolition of the buildings because the industrial zone is surrounded by modern commercial buildings and the site will be landscaped.

However, the owners were required to give the council a photographic record of the buildings prior to their demolition.

Mr Chalmers said the outlet would cater for the equipment needs of the mining and agriculture industries as well as focusing on Kennards’ traditional customers - contractors and other small business owners, tradesmen and home renovators.

It will join the company’s network of 140 outlets in Australia and New Zealand and will employ three to four people. He said the company also hoped to appoint a manager with strong community connections.

The equipment range at the new hire centre will include large items such as boom lifts, scissor lifts, Bobcats, excavators, site sheds, toilets, pumps and electronic message boards.

clare.colley@fairfaxmedia.com.au