Support for new Strand development
Date published: 13 September 2016
A new café and restaurant is set to further activate the eastern end of the Strand after receiving the support of the City Council’s Planning and Development Committee.
The committee today supported a planning report recommendation to approve a development application lodged by Toprise (Australia) Pty Ltd to proceed with the project at No 1 Mariners Drive
Located close to residential apartments, Tobruk Pool and Anzac Park, the proposal comprises a ground-floor cafe, as well as a bar and restaurant on the upper level.
Committee chairman Cr Les Walker said the development would provide a major new attraction for the eastern end of the strip.
“The Strand is our city’s most popular asset, attracting tens of thousands of people each year and as a council we want to support new and innovative ideas that add to the experience and create economic activity,” Cr Walker said.
“This development will be in keeping with the look and feel of the area and will provide more choice for those looking to make the most of our beautiful foreshore.”
“The development assessment has looked very closely at potential impacts in the local area, and placed conditions on the proposal to ensure issues such as parking, access and noise are addressed.”
“To facilitate the development, the council has agreed to arrangements where the facility will utilise on-street parking in the same way as other restaurants further along The Strand because of on-site constraints.
“The developer will be required to make a $280,000 payment to council in lieu of on-site parking and this money will be used by council to improve amenities in the nearby area on the Strand.”
An audit of parking spaces in the area revealed 162 spaces along The Strand between Sir Leslie Thiess Drive and the Fryer St intersection and a further 197 within 500 metres of the site.
The Townsville Sailing Club’s dedicated access to the adjacent beach area will be unaffected.
Today’s committee recommendation will go to the full council on September 27 for approval.
