THE corner of Lonsdale and Thompson Streets will look different soon as a new operator begins preparation for the site after the BP closed last Sunday.

The land has changed hands and the operator of the old service station, Matthews Petroleum, which had been leasing the site, was not able to stay.

Petroleum Tank Technologies director, Subi Chung, said a new operator had contracted them to line the existing tanks which would extend their life about 25 years.

“You get inside these tanks and put (in) a fibreglass liner,” he said.

“You're doing that to protect the asset but just as important is protecting the environment.”

He said their work was expected to take about three weeks and then another contractor would complete the rest of the fuel system and install bowsers, taking the overall job until the end of June.

It was unknown if there were plans for a major upgrade to the shop as well.