Plans for unit complex on Bridge Rd, West Mackay stalled
The graffiti-worn house is an ugly landmark near a busy Mackay intersection and school but it will remain a while longer as redevelopment plans are pushed back. Read why.
Mackay
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The abandoned house is an eyesore with its rotting timbers, graffitied walls and prominent position next to a busy highway intersection and large primary school.
But the shell at 362 Bridge Rd in West Mackay could be standing for a while longer after the property owner pushed for yet another extension to its redevelopment plans.
Nindaroo Investments first applied to Mackay Regional Council back in 2011 to remove the house to build a seven-level complex with a mix of units and shops plus locked undercover parking.
Plans detail a cafe, retail shop, three office spaces, 70 one or two bedroom units, plus six three or more bedroom units.
But the application has been stalled on multiple occasions including in late 2015 and in October, 2017.
Nindaroo Investments then applied three times to extend the currency period with Covid-19 as a justification, according to documents from RPS Group that were supplied to Mackay Regional Council.
With the Covid extension due to expire on October 31, 2023, the company has again requested the council allow an extension, this time until October 31, 2027.
“The development has not proceeded in the years since the approval due to the fluctuating market conditions, especially due to the changing coal prices which have large impacts on the Mackay market,” RPS Group submitted on behalf of Nindaroo Investments.
“Further, unit developments have been especially hard to get to market due to lending requirements imposed by financial institutions.”
RPS states the four-year extension would keep the development “alive” and allow it to provide units which were in short supply “should the market conditions become favourable”.
The council has agreed to the latest currency period extension meaning Nindaroo Investments has until late 2027 to action its plans.
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