Five of the most talked about developments in the region
EAST POINT, Brampton Island and Laguna Quays are just some of the developments that have had long-running history in our region, see where the projects are at.
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EAST POINT, Brampton Island and Laguna Quays are just some of the developments that have had long-running history in our region.
These projects have been lengthy with some still yet to be developed.
1. East Point project
This project is set to bring more visitors to the region as it will boast a tourism and residential hub just near the picturesque Harbour Beach.
Interest in the development was first sought after in the early 1990s.
The project faced many delays but has now been given the go-ahead.
Timeline
- Early 1990s: The State Government sought expressions of interest for the development of the East Point site.
- November 2003: Mackay City Council gives preliminary approval for the development, imposing conditions including construction of a 3000-person evacuation centre and submission of an environmental management plan within six months.
- December 2005: The project is approved by the Planning and Environment Court with numerous conditions.
- November 2011: The developer applies for a three-year extension to part of the approval that required the hotel to be built within a certain timeframe.
- January 2015: Eastpoint Mackay lodged new development application slightly different to the original
- February 2016: Development finally give go-ahead
2. The Beach
This project now boasts 34 level residential allotments with direct beach frontage with Stage 1 already sold.
Sunshine Coast developer Aldev Pty Ltd snapped up The Beach development, at Illawong Beach, from receivers.
Timeline
- 2005: Final approval for a $150 million project, The Beach Mackay, at Far Beach has been given by Mackay City Council.
- 2008: Work halted on the project, developers blame Mackay City Council enginerring department
- 2011: Project goes into receivership
- 2013: Sunshine Coast developer Aldev Pty Ltd snapped up The Beach development, at Illawong Beach, from receivers.
- 2014: Stage 1 of this private community includes 34 lots which were released early 2014 and have now sold out.
3. Laguna Quays
The Laguna Quays Resort once boasted a pristine golf course.
But in 2012 when the Daily Mercury visited The Lodge at Laguna Quays it was overgrown and in disrepair .
Laguna Quays Resort's new owners Fullshare Industrial Holding Group have plans to ramp up revitalisation work this year.
Timeline
1992: Opening of $250 million Laguna Quays Resort
1992: The resort had 230 employees, which included 20 green-keepers, and charged $275 a night for one standard room
1993: 70-berth marina opened
1995: Resort went into receivership, with debts up to $200 million
2009: Mackay Regional Council auctioned parts of the precinct to recoup about $2.1 million in unpaid rates
2010: $290,000 rates bill believed unreasonable by resort
2012: Termination letters delivered to employees
2012: Mackay Regional Council remained out-of-pocket about $1 million unpaid rate fees
2013: Resort sells to company Fullshare Holdings Group
2015: First stage developments confirmed for early 2016
4. Crown Apartments
The Crown Apartments have been revived by new owners after facing issues in the past.
In 2011 some owners of apartments on River St spoke out after water had leaked through their units.
The developer GMW Group also went into receivership.
Timeline
2004: Sydney developer Michael Saadie claims we're one of the best places in the country to invest in as he prepares to develop three complexes, one on the site of the former Crown and Anchor Hotel in River Street.
2005: The Crown and Anchor Hotel is demolished, but Mr Saadie threatens to pull out of his December
2010: The developer GMW Group goes into receivership.
2011: Mr Saadie claims Mackay locals had a bad attitude to developers and that's why the city was "undeveloped". Apartment owners tell of a building that "leaks like a sieve" because it was not wet-sealed and windows were not fitted properly.
2014: Ray White Commercial Queensland calls for expressions of interest for the purchase.
2014-2015: New owners purchase the property, no details revealed
2016: New owners have renovated the apartments at a cost of $8 million.
5. Brampton Island
United Petroleum bought Brampton Island in 2010 but no development has happened since it was closed in January 2011.
Mackay Regional Council approved a development application for Brampton Island in 2015. The new resort is set to include new and refurbished buildings.
Timeline
Traditional owners: Part of the country of the seafaring Ngaro people
1879: Named Brampton Island by EP Bedwell of SS Llewellyn
1905: The island is opened for occupation
1933: Busuttin brothers begin building accommodation and operate the island
1959: Resort bought by Carapark Motels
1962: Ownership goes to Roylen Enterprises
1965: An airstrip is built on the island
1997: Resort purchased by P&O Resorts who spent $3 million on refurbishments and stopped daytripper services.
2004: GPT (Voyages) buys Brampton resort
2005: Day trips started again by Reef Cruises but resort still closed to day visitors
2010: United Petroleum buys the island
2012: Consultation with Department of Natural Resources and Mines (DNRM)
2013: Development application lodged with Mackay Regional Council
Originally published as Five of the most talked about developments in the region
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