Shadows unlikely to fall across The Strand

BEAUTY, as they say, is in the eye of the beholder. So too is someone’s perception that any change to an existing environment could be seen as out of character for a particular region. While the proposed hotel development at 68 and 69 The Strand might be slightly higher than Townsville City Council’s stated desire of a five-storey cap on new buildings, its possible approval hardly puts it in the category of soaring Gold Coast skyscrapers.

With a ground floor restaurant, a firstlevel function centre and five storeys above that for 80 hotel rooms, its profile is unlikely to cast a shadow across The Strand, let alone the beach.

As one objector to council wrote: “The Strand is an important asset to the city. Its parks, gardens, access to beach views and family atmosphere make it a joy to visit,” he wrote.

“I am concerned that the character of The Strand will be altered, and not for the better, if substantial high-rise buildings continue to be proposed and accepted by council.”

Another said the development by S&S Group was plain “ugly”. But council officers said the plans had “a carefully considered design outcome”, indicating it could win appoval at a council vote today.

“The development is consistent with the existing character and scale of development within the local area … the proposed developmentworks to create a strong gateway statement at a key entry point to The Strand,” they wrote.

No one wants to see The Strand turned into a concrete jungle like the Gold Coast, but some sense must prevail if investment and development is to be encouraged in our city within reasonable limits.