Strand project given green light
A SPECTACULAR two-level eatery and bar with a seven-storey unit complex behind it has been approved for a site on The Strand, and work on the project could start early in the new year.
Townsville developer Lachlan Bell Consulting lodged a development application with Townsville City Council for the proposal at 70 The Strand, at the corner with Kennedy St.
The development plan includes 11 threebedroom apartments, one two-bedroom unit and 23 parking spaces.
Mr Bell said in the absence of any appeal during the four-week window, the company would continue working on the detailed design and go to the market for pre-sales.
A HIGH-PROFILE development on The Strand will go ahead, with demolition of the age-worn yellow building occupying the site to begin next year.
Plans for 70 The Strand include a seven-storey apartment complex and a two-storey bar, eatery, entertainment and “lifestyle destination”.
Townsville councillors were forced to wash their hands of the development last week because a submitter who said something nice about the project was a Team Jenny Hill donor.
The decision on the development was handballed to the council’s chief executive Mike Chiodo as a result.
Mr Chiodo this week gave the green light to the development on planning staff recommendations.
Developer Lachlan Bell said in the absence of any appeal during g the four-week window, the com- pany would continue working on the detailed design and go to the market for pre-sales.
In an ideal environment, it is expected demolition, then construction, would begin early in 2020.
“If we’re doing both elements (retail and the apartment) together, without any surprises, you’d think you could almost get it within a 12 months window,” Mr Bell said.
He believes, on the evidence of recent housing projects on The Strand, that there is demand for “high-end” homes, referencing $50 million luxury apartment development The Mariners Residence on Mariners Dr by Maidment Group as an example.
“It’s (also) the perfect location for the type of retail development l t we want to do,” Mr Bell said.
The height of the apartment complex is above the Council’s planning scheme height limit of five storeys.
But planning officers decided that because the seven-storey block was behind the two-storey retail section that faces The Strand, it would be less confronting and would ensure a “pedestrian friendly streetscape” was achieved.
Mr Chiodo said his decision to approve the application was made in line with recommendations made by planning staff.
“This development application shows that confidence in the city is growing,” he said.
“This is another development that will bring jobs into the city for both construction and ongoing in the hospitality industry.
“Townsville is really picking up the pace as a tourist destination, with world-class events like the ITU World Championships and the North Australian Festival of Arts planned for the coming years.”