Pub-side living plans
A CAIRNS pub baron is boosting population density and potential customers for his favourite hotel with a major new subdivision proposal adding to a growing list of developments.
Tom Hedley already owns a selection of properties surrounding his famous Red Beret Hotel, with 399, 413, 415 and 417 Kamerunga Rd all listed in his portfolio.
He has been gradually working through subdivision and duplex construction plans – and now he has one more project to add to the mix.
Mr Hedley has lodged a development application to convert two lots into 16 smaller properties to allow a new estate of two, three and fourbedroom homes to be built.
The land is currently owned by Cairns development firm Stateland, run by managing director and founder Peter Macdougall.
Mr Hedley said he had the property under option, meaning ownership would only switch hands if the development was approved and the project went ahead.
His business plan – creating higher-density living close to his pubs – has been a longstanding technique for the developer.
“I’ve always done that,” he said.
“I haven’t bought it, I’ve got it under option – so it’s still a little bit away yet from being a goer.”
Mr Hedley’s stakes have risen since he won the $10 million contract to store Cairns shipping development dredging waste at his Northern Sands quarry.
He has major renovation plans for the Carrington Hotel at Atherton, with a new cocktail and craft beer bar, kitchen, bistro, outdoor smoking area and playground on the cards.
His Parkview Tavern at Gordonvale Gordon vale is in the best shape it has been in recent memory after undergoing a major refurbishment.
Mr Hedley bought the Great Northern Hotel at Gordonvale in 2019, from its publican of 38 years, Nerida Dawson, as well as the Ye Olde Gordonvale hotel which has since been shut down.
Cairns Regional Council started work on a $2.4 million upgrade of the intersection outside the Red Beret Hotel in August last year – a full seven months with construction and associated traffic issues still persisting.