Search on for Port retail mix
GETTING the right mix of businesses will be crucial to the success of a new commercial redevelopment planned for the main street of Port Douglas.
South Australian developer and steel fabrication giant Sam Gadaleta’s vision to build three new shops at the former Mango Jam restaurant on Macrossan St will be realised next year after Douglas Shire Council approved the project last week.
Former Douglas Chamber of Commerce president and prominent businesswoman Liz Ross said selecting the right tenants would help add some “vibrancy and diversity” to the seaside shopping strip.
“We need shops that will appeal to tourists that are coming to town and shops that meet the needs of those tourists, because at the moment I think we’re lacking there,” she said.
“I think this town already has a good selection of cafes and restaurants, so I would hope the new businesses won’t go down that path.
“I think we need a bit more diversity of product.”
Ms Ross said shopping outlets such as City Beach, Rivers and Ishka “would do quite well” once visitors returned to Port Douglas.
“The tourists go to certain outlets back in their home states and cities, and a lot of them want to shop at those places when they get here,” she said.
“People tend to do a lot of shopping when they are on holidays as they finally have time to, so I would think retail outlets might do well there,
when visitors return. I think the new businesses should do their research for what is needed.”
Mr Gadaleta, who bought the site at 24 Macrossan St for $2m in April, said he was encouraged by the backing of his development.
His company has completed similar commercial projects in Adelaide and Byron Bay.
“We think it’s an exciting project for Port Douglas,” he said.
“We’re glad there is support for it and we just have a few conditions to meet now.”
The application includes proposals to redevelop the land with new shops, retaining the carparking in the rear yard, side driveway and vehicle crossover on to Macrossan St.
It also includes shaded areas and disability access.
The precinct was applauded by councillors at an ordinary meeting in Mossman on Tuesday.
Mayor Michael Kerr said the old Mango Jam location “was an icon” of the seaside village but numerous attempts to rejuvenate the site had failed, before Mr Gadaleta swooped in.
“It tried to be regenerated; unfortunately it hasn’t been able to and it sat there as an empty restaurant for many years now,” Cr Kerr said.
“It will give us three new shopfronts in Macrossan St with a nice design and shaded area.”