Picnic Bay Esplanade is set to return to its former glory with construction due to commence on a long-vacant Magnetic Island site.
The news comes as councillors voted unanimously in today's Ordinary Council meeting to approve a Development Permit for Material Change of Use for a hotel, short-term accommodation and shop at 1- 5 The Esplanade Picnic Bay.
Mayor Nick Dametto said the proposal would see the redevelopment and expansion of the existing Picnic Bay Hotel and long-vacant Esplanade sites, undertaken over a number of stages.
"It is terrific to see my fellow councillors come together to approve this development, which will breathe new life into Picnic Bay, " Cr Dametto said.
"As a Council, we're sending a message loud and clear - that Townsville is open for business.
"It's been quite some time since Picnic Bay had a new attraction.
"Locals will remember the buzz around the suburb when the ferry used to pull up at the iconic jetty.
"This development will bring more people back to this slice of paradise.
"With this approval we will see movement on what has been a fenced off site for the first time in decades."
The developer is set to undertake works over five stages, the first of which will include refurbishing of the existing bar and restaurant building, including a new first-floor restaurant, function room and deck, as well as the construction of 10 short-term accommodation units.
Councillor Dametto said the new and refurbished buildings will include hospitality areas, accommodation units, commercial tenancies, and associated operational facilities.
"The completed development will provide 127 accommodation units in total – comprising of 112 one-bedroom units and 15 two-bedroom units, 520 m2 of commercial floor space, 1,100 m2 of hospitality floor space, and total gross floor area of 10,585m2," he said.
"This development is going to be a game changer for Magnetic Island, and I commend those for seeing the potential and investing in our wonderful part of the world."
Divisional Councillor Ann-Maree Greaney said councillors approved the development with a number of conditions.
"We know how much people love the amenity of our beautiful Magnetic Island, which is why there are a number of conditions we made sure that the developers needed to meet when going forward," Cr Greaney said.
"Things like stipulations around Council requesting the developer increase the amount of onsite carparks required to 25, facilities for bikes and e-scooters, protecting the iconic Picnic Bay fig trees, a maximum height of three storeys and hours of operation and screening for neighbouring properties.
"We welcome this development and look forward to seeing it bringing a real vibrancy back to Picnic Bay in the years to come."
