Cairns’ latest gym proposed as tenant at new industrial estate
A new gym has been proposed for a northern Cairns growth hotspot in a new light industrial complex that is now finally going ahead after years of setbacks. All the details here.
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The first business expected to be established at a controversial new industrial estate is likely to take the form of a sport and recreation development after a years-long fight to extend the footprint of Smithfield’s light industrial precinct.
Since 2017 David Chapman has battled to develop cane fields, through his firm Eljasie, in an area long earmarked for growth by Cairns Regional Council.
Strong opposition came from neighbouring Macalister Brewing Company owner Rob Callin before the project was scaled back to four lots when land was compulsorily acquired by the state government for construction of the Smithfield Bypass.
And now Cairns Regional Council has received a material change of use application from NQ Holdings Pty Ltd for a new gym in a corner tenancy of lot two fronting Mount Millman Dr.
Two buildings within the 15-lot land parcel are already under construction and are expected to be completed by November.
“(The application) has demonstrated that the proposal responds to expressed planning outcomes and provides a health and recreation service to the surrounding population,” planning documents state.
“The intended use is in character with the locality, ensuring amenity within the area will be maintained.
“The proposed indoor sport and recreation use does not detract from the Smithfield major centre and provides a welcome health and wellbeing service to the general population.
“Overall, it is considered that the proposed development is an appropriate response to the site and surrounding uses.”
It’s proposed the gym operates 24-hours a day, seven days a week.
The company behind Cairns’ latest gym NQ Holdings Pty Ltd is a Trinity Beach-registered business under the directorship of Richard Lewis, according to Australian Securities and Investments Commission records.
A decision notice handed down by Cairns Regional Council in July last year finally gave the green light to the light industrial development project after the much larger 22-lot project shrunk to four lots.
Lots have been selling off-the-plan since November 2022.
Council is yet to make a decision on the gym material change of use application.
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Originally published as Cairns’ latest gym proposed as tenant at new industrial estate
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