Crossroads pushes to build Blacks Beach shopping centre

A Brisbane-based developer has renewed a campaign to build a shopping centre in Mackay’s Northern Beaches more than a decade after it was refused in court. SEE THE PLANS.

Crossroad Developments has applied to Mackay Regional Council to build a shopping precinct and residential sub development along Blacks Beach Rd in Blacks Beach, next door to the Blacks Beach Tavern. Picture: Documents supplied to Mackay Regional Council, Google Maps

A Brisbane-based developer has renewed its campaign to build a shopping centre in the Northern Beaches more than a decade after it was refused in court.

Crossroad Developments wants to subdivide land in Blacks Beach, designating sections for residential lots, a childcare centre and a shopping precinct.

The site is located next door to Blacks Beach Tavern along Blacks Beach Rd.

The Planning and Environment Court had in 2011 refused the shopping centre application, at that time lodged by Hawkhaven, in favour of a competing proposal from the developer that built the Blacks Beach Cove housing estate.

Blacks Beach Cove Pty Ltd’s shopping centre was to be built on the opposite side of Blacks Beach Rd, directly across from the tavern.

Crossroad Developments has applied to Mackay Regional Council to build a shopping precinct and residential sub development along Blacks Beach Rd in Blacks Beach, next door to the Blacks Beach Tavern. Picture: Google Maps

Thirteen years on, Crossroad has relodged the vision for a tavern-adjacent shopping centre to Mackay Regional Council, stating BBC, now known as Blacks Beach Cove 2, failed to follow through on its centre despite receiving a four-year development extension in 2016.

Crossroad’s new application outlines 16 residential blocks — ranging from 600 sqm up to 772 sqm — plus a shopping precinct with possible health care services, a pharmacy, veterinary practice, gym, and two food and drink outlets.

Economic and residential market needs analyses supporting the proposal stated there was an “implied undersupply” of about 65 healthcare practitioners in the Northern Beaches, as well as one gym or fitness facility within a 2km radius of the tavern.

Crossroad Developments has applied to Mackay Regional Council to build a shopping precinct and residential sub development along Blacks Beach Rd in Blacks Beach. The proposed building to the left is a childcare centre already approved by the council. Picture: Documents submitted to Mackay Regional Council

They further state households within that radius had “significantly higher” average annual incomes at $152,331 compared to the Mackay region’s average of $129,601, plus given more than a third of households were comprised of couples with children and there was a 76.3 per cent labour force participation, many “may be time poor” driving demand for convenience food.

Crossroad Developments’ proposed residential subdevelopment in Blacks Beach. Picture: Documents submitted to Mackay Regional Council

In supporting Crossroads’ bid to unlock medium-density residential blocks, the analyses stated there was a “clear preference” for lots greater than 650 sqm in Blacks Beach as they sold in about 40 days compared to 71 days for lots smaller than 400 sqm.

They further stated four or more people lived in a third of Blacks Beach households, compared to a quarter of households across the Mackay region.

“Additionally, larger lot sites allow for a more economical, single level build to achieve a larger home compared to a smaller lot which would require a second story,” documents state.

The council has informed Crossroad it must pay a $28,765 application fee before it will consider the application to be properly made.