And contrary to earlier reports, the new station will not be owned by Brad Gardiner who owns and operates the Caltex service station on the same estate.

Newcastle businessman Ralph Ryder, who currently operates service stations at Newcastle, Thornton and Tea Gardens, confirmed this week that he has taken over the project.

"I can now say conclusively it will be a genuine branded Shell service station which will accept all company fuel cards and credit cards," Mr Ryder said.

"I know that this area has a reputation for being expensive where fuel is concerned, but I would be stating the obvious to say that some genuine competition in the town can only be good for the local community.

"We aim to be sensibly competitive on price which means locals can expect to pay no more or less than the genuine median price for the area on any given day, but in addition we will also honour the Coles four cents a litre docket discount," Mr Ryder said.

The large new site will have sufficient pumps to fill 24 vehicles simultaneously under cover and will deliver all petrol grades, LPG gas and diesel.

There will be two Hi-Flow diesel pumps for trucks.

"The fuel pumps are spaced to enable vehicles to leave as soon as they are ready, they won't have to wait for the car in front to go," Mr Ryder said.