Traders ready to dive in Business leaders back ‘ visionary’ idea for Crystal Lagoon on the Strand
A PROPOSED lagoon along the Strand would boost business confidence and increase property value, according to local business leaders.
The 6ha Crystal Lagoon proposal was cited as a potential development in the Pure Projects report commissioned by Townsville City Council. The facility would stretch from out the front of Tobruk Pool to Gregory St.
Raw Energy owner Sunny Chandel, who lived in Cairns when its esplanade and lagoon were originally proposed, said the development brought the city much- needed business.
“About 98 per cent of what happens on the ( Cairns) esplanade is because of the lagoon,” he said. “I was working at an Italian restaurant at the time and when it opened my hours increased. It was crazy.”
Mr Chandel said the facility would complement the area.
“It’s going to bring more business, people will have a general reason to come,” he said. “It will draw more taxis down. People who can’t afford to have pools can use this.
“We’re not using the Strand for what it could be.”
The Ville owner Chris Morris said it was a brilliant idea.
“I t totallyt ll support it,” he said. “I’ve always been one to believe in the natural beauty of Townsville.
“Putting it out by the stadium would be pointless.”
Mr Morris said that, while it was all good and well throwing ideas around, something needed to get up and running.
“It will be interesting to see whether they look for private investors, there would have to be some commercial aspects ( offered) as well like restaurants and cafes,” he said.
Colliers managing director Peter Wheeler said from a commercial standpoint, the lagoon would attract more people to that end of the Strand.
“It will be great for the Strand overall and residents of Townsville,” he said.
“The Strand needs something else – I mean it’s beautiful, but it needs a bit more.”
Watermark owner Danny Meares said the restaurant would consider tendering for food outlets that could be created.
“As far as we’re concerned it would bring more people into the area and we would all benefit from it,” he said. “Anything that brings more people to the Strand is good for all of us.”
Townsville Enterprise chief executive officer Patricia O’Callaghan said such an iconic project would enhance the community and attract visitors.
“The concept is great, it’s visionary,” she said. “The lagoon is also about further enhancing the real estate.”
Deputy Mayor Les Walker said he had been an advocate for a water park for some time.
“This lagoon is one of those things where it gives more opportunities and choices,” he said. “We do that so well here, this is just another beautiful addition.”