Mackay development: New childcare centre, 90-unit complex and eco cabins

An ambitious multi-storey development that would transform one of Mackay’s busiest intersections has had a change, with two possible uses for its future use. SEE THE PLANS

An abandoned South Mackay shopping centre will take on a new lease of life and tap into an anticipated growing demand from parents.

The former Napier Shopping Centre on Napier St could soon become a two-storey childcare centre just 800m south of the site.

Proponent Genius has applied to build a childcare centre for up to 126 children and 19 staff, 500m from the existing Birralee Childcare Centre but anticipates its development will corner the Paget market.

Development plans lodged with Mackay Regional Council state the existing two blocks fronting Napier St will be amalgamated to cover a total 2413sq m.

The remaining Napier Shopping Centre will be demolished under the plans.

“The purpose behind the amalgamation is to ensure the proposed childcare centre has sufficient area to accommodate the building, play areas, access, servicing and carparking, and landscaping while maintaining functionality,” documents state.

“The proposed childcare centre will encompass a double-storey building with a total (gross floor area) of 965sq m and total outdoor play area of 1045sq m.

“The building will contain an internal lift and an internal and external stairwell.

“The proposed childcare centre will have an occupancy of 126 children and up to 19 staff, as per staff ratio requirements.”

Plans include seven activity rooms, the smallest being 35sq m catering for children 0-1 years with an occupancy capacity of eight children.

The centre will cater for children from 0-3 years of age.

It will also include four sleep rooms with a four-child limit in each, and two outdoor areas – one on the ground floor over 730sq m, the other on the first floor over 315sq m.

A staffroom and kitchen, multiple toilet amenities, prep and storage areas are also included in the design.

“The proposed childcare centre will also be designed to be sympathetic to the Napier Street road frontage by integrating architectural features to the built form,” documents state.

“It is intended that the architectural features, inclusive of various roof form and pitches, building recesses, windows and door features, will present to Napier Street, while also using various building materials, contributing to the overall streetscape amenity of the area.”

Genius operates a childcare centre in Cannonvale as part of its stable of 16 across Queensland that also includes Norman Gardens, Toowoomba, Townsville, Clifton Beach and Brisbane areas.

It also operates in Victoria, New South Wales and Western Australia, with 22 centres.

The plans were lodged with the council and a decision is yet to be made.

Motel or units? Ambitious plans approved for Nebo Rd development

An ambitious development that would transform one of Mackay’s busiest intersections has had new approvals that could deliver 90 units to the market.

Canegrowers Holdings has been approved for its amended plans for the Nebo Rd site at the Fourways.

It comes on top of existing approvals for a 90-room motel, food shop and a Liquor Barn that was granted in 2015.

But recently approved plans have secured the organisation the go-ahead to add 90 units as an optional alternative to the motel use.

“The change sought is to add multiple dwellings as an approved option for the development, should ‘motel’ prove to be an economically unviable option,” approved documents state.

“The option decided on will ultimately be determined by the prevailing state of the Mackay housing market at time of development.

“The remaining retail component of the approval (tavern/restaurant) and associated carparking remains in its entirety and no changes are applied for.”

Documents argue the development would likely allow traditional medium-term occupancy plus shorter term, such as Air BnB.

“Market trends favour this option – as can be observed in areas like the Whitsundays and Mackay CBD where tourism is actively encouraged,” documents state.

The Liquor Barn gross floor area was reduced from 410sq m to 200sq m which in turn reduced the number of required carparking spaces to 10, and the entire complex over 6164sq m to 147 spaces.

“With the proposed bottle shop GFA reduced, it is possible to provide an additional 20 carparking spaces at the rear of the shop,” documents state.

“Total spaces provided are 141, this leaves a shortfall of six visitor spaces.

“In this option council is requested to use their discretion and reduce the visitor carparking requirement by the six shortfall, with potential visitors utilising the overflow retail carparking spaces available within the integrated development.”

Nature-based tourism approved for picturesque Netherdale

Getting back in touch with nature and enjoying the serenity of the Pioneer Valley is within grasp after plans for eco-cabins were approved for Netherdale.

Proponents Peter and Ellen Everett secured approvals to build the cabins on their 6.27 hectare block off Mackay Eungella Rd, with the structures to be located on a hilltop in the southern end of the property.

The two cabins will be low-impact, low frequency use, fitting in with the natural environment and surrounding area.

“There are two self-contained eco-cabins proposed, each with ensuite facilities, cooking facilities and veranda/porch with (barbecue) facilities,” documents state.

“The cabins will be located at the top of the mountain where they will enjoy scenic views of the surrounding countryside.

“The target market is eco-friendly tourists, specifically bicycle riders making use of the proposed local mountain biking facilities located in Eungella.”

Each cabin will have a maximum gross floor area of 60sq m.

Current approvals are for two cabins. Should the landowners want more cabins, planning documents state they could have up to five sites per hectare but not have more than 25 in total on the property.

Each cabin must be serviced by an “appropriate onsite system for water and sewer as well as electricity”.

The block currently has only one home on the property with the balance described as vacant land with open grass, trees and scrub.

“The site will utilise rainwater tanks for their water supply and provide a suitable wastewater management system,” documents state.

Mirani Community Precinct reaches the detailed design phase

The proposed $8m Mirani Community Precinct is one step closer to realisation with the release of detailed design plans.

The project is now shovel-ready and Mackay Regional Council will seek funding for construction to go ahead.

The multi-purpose precinct will include Mirani Museum, Mirani Library, community workshop and meeting spaces, a youth space, a Bank of Queensland sub-branch, a hair salon and public toilets.

Council services will also be offered at the precinct.

Mayor Greg Williamson said the precinct’s renders highlighted how impressive the hub would be.

“It will be an important stop on the tourist drive to the upper Pioneer Valley, including our future mountain bike trails between Eungella and Finch Hatton,’’ he said.

“The precinct will celebrate the uniqueness of Mirani, its people and history.

“It is fitting that the design for the main facade has been inspired by a cane rail bin.”

The estimated future cost to establish the community hub is $8m and the council wants a $4.5m contribution to deliver the project.

The design work was jointly funded by the state government’s Building Our Regions Fund and the council.