Hunt for pub operator
A GROWING population just south of the Townsville CBD can rest easy knowing plans are in place to deliver its very own watering hole.
Approved plans for a tavern and bottleshop on land at Fairfield Central Shopping Centre at Idalia have been around since 2015, but are edging near- er to fruition. Lancini Property and Development marketing manager Shantelle Jones said the Lancini group was speaking with multiple commercial operators from southern states who are interested in the site.
The parcel of land proposed to become a pub is between the staff carpark and Zarraffa’s Coffee at Fairfield Central.
The award- winning shopping centre has been developed in three stages and an expansion to the third stage was announced in mid- 2017.
Coles is set to arrive in the centre, pitting shoppers in the midst of a battle between two supermarket giants in the cen- tre, with Woolworths already established. Ms Jones said the popularity and growth of the shopping centre had driven interest in the pub site.
“We are targeting a full service, unique pub/ tavern dining experience with a style that will bring a capital city vibe and new offer to the local community,” Ms Jones said.
“Given the growing population in the area and the existing expansion of Stage Three of the centre, which includes a Coles supermarket and additional specialty stores, a pub/ tavern will bring a complementary experience to all that Fairfield Central al- ready has to offer.”
The 2016 Census showed Idalia had a population of just under 5000.
Ms Jones said once an operator was locked in for the pub it would be about 10 to 18 months from construction to opening, subject to plans.
“We look forward to announcing further details in the near future,” she said.
The Townsville Bulletin revealed in May a new Kmart Tyre and Auto Service outlet had also been proposed for the Fairfield Central complex.