BP Armidale has officially reopened following a million-dollar transformation, becoming only the second BP site in Australia to showcase the company’s new Local Hub retail concept.
After a successful pilot near Hobart, the Armidale location was chosen as the first on the East Coast to adopt this next-generation service station model. The initiative, driven by BP’s regional partner Lowes Petroleum, marks the culmination of five years of strategic planning aimed at redefining the customer experience in regional areas.
The Local Hub goes far beyond a standard service station. It’s designed as a welcoming space where locals and travellers alike can access a broader range of amenities rarely found in remote locations. Alongside fuel, the site now features fresh food and drink offerings, seating areas, convenience shopping, gas bottle exchange, and even charging stations for electronic devices.
According to Lowes Petroleum, the concept is centred around supporting local communities by creating a space that feels more like a neighbourhood gathering point than a traditional petrol station.
Long-time employee Mark Eather, who has worked at the Armidale station for 25 years, said anticipation for the reopening was high, with residents regularly asking when the site would be back in operation. He noted that the revamped site has already been well received, with many customers appreciating the upgraded offerings and new atmosphere.
Eather explained that the Local Hub is designed to serve a wide range of needs—from tradespeople looking for a quick bite to travellers topping up supplies or families enjoying a coffee break. He emphasised that the changes have made the station a true part of the community, rather than just a place to refuel.
Lowes Petroleum’s NSW Retail Area Manager, Wayne Petit, said the upgrade also included major infrastructure improvements, such as replacing the underground fuel tanks and modernising the forecourt. All fuel types are now available at every pump, significantly reducing wait times and enhancing the overall customer experience.
Petit said the goal was to turn the Armidale location into a true one-stop shop. The site has been reimagined to offer not only fuel and food but also essential goods, creating a retail space that complements the local shopping landscape and offers convenience in a single destination.
He added that The Local Hub represents a unique offering for the Lowes brand—one that aims to match or exceed the retail experience provided by larger competitors, while maintaining a strong connection to regional customers.
To celebrate the reopening, the site will host a launch event on Thursday, 15 May, with exclusive specials and complimentary gifts for customers throughout the day.
For the latest retailer news and information, check out the ServoPro website or to speak to us about how we can help your business contact us.