VISION TO FIT IN CITY BOOM
Skyline beyond 2030 set for global tropical oasis facelift
MOVE over Singapore – Cairns beyond 2030 is poised to become an urban tropical paradise the envy of the world.
Vertical gardens and more high-rise living linking to futuristic hotels and waterfront restaurants will evolve as more than 300,000 people call Cairns home in a decade’s time.
While the city’s growth is set to go through the roof, height restrictions due to the nearby airport will mean a more compact build.
Master Builders Queensland’s Far Northern regional manager Sharon Vella said major building projects on the books including Cyrstalbrook Collection and Nova City hinted at things to come.
Urban Development Institute of Australia Far Northern president Adam Gowlett said our city’s point of difference from other highrise havens such as the Gold and Sunshine coasts would be our compact building style.
IT’S all hammer and tongs in the Cairns CBD at the moment.
Construction crews are working on several major sites that are set to change the city’s skyline.
Demographer Bernard Salt, in his exclusive audit of Cairns’ demographics, says the CBD is already the largest single job market outside the southeast, and predicted to grow even more within the coming decade.
With several developments on the horizon, the following are what developments will help shape the future of the city’s beating heart within the coming decade and beyond.
CRYSTALBROOK COLLECTION
What is it? Three new CBD hotels, Riley, Bailey and Flynn, developed by the GA Group. Riley is a five-star hotel on the site of the former Rydges Tradewinds Resort. Bailey, on the greenfield site opposite the Cairns Library, will have 217 five-star rooms and suites, and Flynn – on the site of the former Bellview Hotel – will feature more than 300 rooms and suites. Built by 2030? Yes. Riley is already open, with Bailey and Flynn due to be completed by the end of the year.
NOVA CITY
What is it? A massive 24,000sq m development along Spence St, opposite Cairns Central. The $550 million project incorporates seven towers, 1150 units with residential and commercial elements. It is being developed by World Class Global (part of Singapore’s Aspial Corporation). Built by 2030? Not much has occurred on the construction site since groundworks began in earnest in April last year. However, Aspial hopes to start its significant building within the next six months.
GLOBAL TOURISM HUB
What is it? A $1 billion Queensland Governmentbacked entertainment/tourism development planned along Wharf St in Cairns’ CBD. This could take the form of a new casino, integrating new entertainment and tourism ventures. Built by 2030? Three proponents have been short-listed for the project: Hard Rock Entertainment, Reef Casino joint venture and The Star Entertainment Group. The State Government expects to announce its preferred proponent later this year, with construction anticipated to start in late-2020.
CAIRNS CONVENTION CENTRE
What is it? A $176 million state-funded upgrade and extension of the Wharf St centre, including the addition of a new 3000sq m exhibition hall and supporting plenary space. Built by 2030? The centre underwent a $13 million partial roof replacement in 2016 with the final stage of roof renewal now scheduled to run from May-October in 2020. The final business case for the upgrade has not been released yet.