Townsville is officially open for business with councillors today voting to approve a 10-storey, mixed-use residential apartment block at 71 The Strand.
Mayor Nick Dametto said it was an exciting time, with the approval signalling confidence in the city, and sending a strong message to developers and investors that Townsville is open for business.
"This site has been sitting vacant since 2012, so to see movement on what is currently an empty block, on arguably some of the best land in our city, would be a real boost of confidence for Townsville moving forward," Cr Dametto said.
"There was a lot of robust debate around this application, but when it came down to the decision – councillors decided the development aligns with our City Plan and the overall corporate plan goal of growing Townsville and reflects the intended growth, urban structure, and high amenity outcomes intended for this area of our city."
The 10-storey development will include onsite basement carparking for 38 vehicles, a 170m2 hospitality venue and fifteen units consisting of seven three-bedroom units, seven four-bedroom units and a top floor penthouse.
The Development Application for the site was voted 10 to one, with all councillors besides Councillor Paul Jacob supporting the decision.
Mayor Dametto said the Development Application was considered carefully amongst the Councillors, taking into consideration matters such as car parking, landscaping, screening and street level enhancements, approving the development with a number of conditions.
"This latest development approval aligns with what the market is calling for, and more importantly what financially stacks up for developers to invest in our city.
"We thank the applicants for going a long way to address the concerns of submitters who were against this application – although some may not agree, it is my opinion that we need to build up if we are to build our city."
The surrounding area is home to a number of multi-storey buildings including the Aquarius (15 storey building), Anelay (7 storey building) and the Watermark (5 storey building).
"The site previously had an approval for a nine-storey building, including two levels of hospitality space - the new application while one storey taller now only includes a ground level hospitality site, but also six more carparks, as well as carefully designed screening and additional landscaping to enhance the privacy to those in surrounding properties," he said.
"The chamber doesn't take these decisions lightly, which is why there are a number of conditions the developer must meet to ensure the amenity of surrounding properties are maintained.
"These kinds of developments are really exciting for our city, projecting confidence in the region – Townsville is open for business."
