Council’s multi-million dollar CBD land buy-up

Council owns $8.69 million in prime CBD real estate for the Waterfront Development

Number 8 River Street (blue building on the right). Picture: Tony Martin

THE catalytic Mackay Waterfront development is a step closer to reality with council formalising the expression of interest stage for the project.

Council owns $8.69 million in prime CBD real estate and earmarked it for the ambitious project Mayor Greg Williamson hopes will transform Mackay into a world-class city.

The starting blocks for the development will be on River St where council acquired two lots for a combined $5 million.

But private investors remain a critical element to the development, with the EOI stage another "landmark decision" in the Waterfront Development process, Cr Williamson said.

"We want our skin in the game; we want developers to come talk to us," he said.

Looking down River Street towards Sydney Street. Number 6 River Street is on the right. Picture: Tony Martin

"We can't do it on our own.

"We've got some land, we're willing to use that land and work with investors."

The River St area would eventually link up to the beachfront development that Cr Williamson said was earmarked to become an innovation hub and create the "jobs of the future".

It would feed on from the $9 million Queens Park redevelopment due to re-open soon and what forms the green hub of the sprawling PDA.

Private investors will be called on to submit their plans for the proverbial clean slate on six city blocks the council has strategically purchased over the past decade or more.

A craft brewery, distillery, restaurant or major entertainment venue overlooking the Pioneer River could soon become a reality in Mackay's CBD if the interest is there.

Cr Williamson said formalising the EOI stage would allow council to test market appetite for development.

"This is an opportunity for us to become a world class city," he said, adding he hoped it would draw in tourism and private investors.

"It's a cost-effective way to identify options for development of the lots, especially as council has no firm view on possible projects."

A concept image of part of the Mackay Waterfront Priority Development Area.

Deputy Mayor Karen May said it was a "fantastic opportunity" to capitalise on the natural beauty of the Pioneer River.

"We have the best blue river in Australia and we haven't really taken advantage of it," she said.

"Up until this stage, people haven't had access to it.

"We've got a bit of a blank canvas now with council owning some of those properties on the riverfront and we're now in that place where we're going out to the business community, the development community and saying, give us your ideas."

Cr May said the five distinct areas in the PDA was unique and presented opportunities for diverse investment in the project.

The River St properties are not believed to be heritage listed, she said.

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