Green tick for Strand project

120 jobs set to be created

The positivity has the potential to influence other developers CHRIS ROCKEMER

A CONTENTIOUS sevenstorey boutique hotel and restaurant will be built on The Strand after it was approved by the council’s chief executive and planning officers.

Townsville councillors referred a decision on the proposed development by S & S Group at 68 and 69 The Strand to chief executive Prins Ralston at the general meeting earlier this month.

Eight of the 11 councillors were unable to vote due to conflicts of interest.

Dr Ralston approved the development application on Friday after planning officers assessed it against the Townsville City Plan, and recommended it for approval with 30 conditions.

The building will be two storeys higher than the council’s preferred five storey height limit in the area, and its height was a key concern for several objectors to the project.

Planning officers determined the application met additional criteria in the Townsville City Plan for proposed developments above five storeys.

The development, located near Kennedy St, will include a ground floor restaurant, a function centre on the first level, and 80 hotel rooms on five levels above.

Townsville Chamber of Commerce president Chris Rockemer said the decision was reflective of “a new-found business confidence in Townsville and our surrounding regions”.

“The positivity has the potential to influence other developers and business operators to inject further capital investment, infrastructure, accommodation, retail and hospitality activity into the region,” he said.

“Without a doubt, the project will provide additional employment opportunities both during the construction phase and when it becomes operational, creating more opportunities for local businesses and suppliers.”

The project is expected to provide 120 jobs during construction and 100 jobs on site when completed.