Developers seek approval to build eight-unit apartment block

In a potential boost for affordable inner-city living, a new block of apartments has been proposed for the Bundaberg CBD. See the plans:

In a potential boost for conveniently located affordable housing, a new block of apartments has been proposed for the Bundaberg CBD.

Affordable housing a stone’s throw from the Bundaberg CBD could be given a significant boost if a development application for a block of units is given the green light by council.

The development application lodged in November by town planning consultancy InsiteSJC on behalf of the property owner, Burnett Orthodontic Services Pty Ltd, proposes a block of eight units for vacant land at 118-120 George St in Bundaberg Central.

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Designed by local award-winning architect Tomas O’Malley, the proposal shows the eight two-bedroom units arranged in a two-storey terrace-style development, well within the maximum three storeys allowed by the medium density residential zone code in force in the area.

Each unit has two covered private alfresco areas including a courtyard at the front and patio at the rear, with open planned living spaces throughout.

The 1406sq m site would be bound by a landscaped strip of native trees and shrubs to allow for an attractive streetscape on George and McLean Streets, with feature walls and sun hoods providing shade and privacy.

Each unit has two covered private alfresco areas including a courtyard at the front and patio at the rear, and a small balcony accessible from the bedroom on the upper floor.

There are 12 car spaces at the rear of the site, accessible from McLean St, including a dedicated car space for each unit in addition to four visitor spaces.

The block is well located close to numerous amenities, including Hinkler Shopping Centre and the Bundaberg CBD, with Bundaberg Railway Station, Bundaberg State High School and Friendlies Hospital also nearby.

The proposed complex is conveniently located a short walk from Hinkler Central shopping centre and the Bundaberg CBD.

The latest Australian Bureau of Statistics data reveals that from 468 residential building approvals in Bundaberg in the 12 months ending October 2023, only six were for terrace houses, units and apartments similar to the George St development application, making up just over 1 per cent of the total approvals.

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The land parcel at 116-120 George St was bought by Burnett Orthodontic Services Pty Ltd from local developer Marc Ephraims for $380,000 in 2009.