A new plan has emerged to revive Nightcliff’s Sea Breeze apartments
A controversial apartment block development could be set for an unlikely lifeline. Read what’s planned.
Northern Territory
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A long dormant housing project could be set for a re-boot with a potentially innovative new plan to revive the development and add to the Territory’s housing stock.
The NT News revealed in January discussions were underway between Sunbuild, the developer of the Sea Breeze apartments, and a private buyer to potentially offload and revise the unfinished apartment project.
It is understood the housing model being considered at the complex is one-third social housing and two-thirds affordable workers accommodation, to help meet the housing demands of government employees like police officers, teachers and nurses.
Construction of the Sea Breeze apartments, on the Dick Ward Drive, Progress Drive intersection in Nightcliff, began in 2015 and was suspended the following year as the NT economy slid into recession.
Fewer than 10 of the Sea Breeze’s proposed 92 two-and-three bedroom apartments had sold off the plan prior to work being suspended and the development being mothballed.
Attempts to revive the project in recent years have fallen short, with Sunbuild owner Neil Sunners earlier this year outlining a plan to try and sell the property.
“We’re actually talking with a client at the moment to purchase the whole project and finish it off for them as a one off,” he said.
“We’ve got until April to make that decision.
“If that isn’t happening, we’re going to put it back on the market and start managing it off the plan and hopefully the Homegrown Territory grant will activate and stimulate as well, that’s what we’re working towards.”
With talks between interested parties still underway, the NT News has learnt Sea Breeze could become part of the NT Government’s future housing plans.
If Sunbuild is able to clinch the sale, it is expected the new owner would partner with the NT Government to deliver new housing options for Territorians.
Earlier this year chief minister Lia Finocchiaro toured the Sea Breeze apartment site with Mr Sunners to spruik her government’s Territory Co-ordinator legislation.
As well as residential apartments in five storeys, Sea Breeze would also include 700sq m for five commercial tenancies.
Nightcliff and neighbouring Coconut Grove already has the Litchfield Court and old John Stokes Square public housing precincts.
In addition, the Ozanam House homelessness support day centre recently relocated from Stuart Park to Coconut Grove.
Sea Breeze’s Neil Sunners and the NT Government have been contacted for comment.
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Originally published as A new plan has emerged to revive Nightcliff’s Sea Breeze apartments
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