Plans to turn empty Mackay city centre buildings into residential living

Converting unoccupied commercial buildings into residential spaces could be the ‘win-win’ needed to revive Mackay’s city heart.

Mackay’s movers and shakers are pushing for more residential living in the CBD to save it from further stagnation.

It follows discussions on how to fix transport issues repelling residents from shopping in the city centre.

Woollam Constructions managing director Craig Percival, speaking on behalf of fellow business leaders, said they envisioned more big cranes “to hit the skyline” by 2026.

“A concept most of us are talking about (is) playing, working and living in town,” Mr Percival said.

He said this included a mix of new builds as well as converting unoccupied commercial buildings into residential spaces — a win-win as rent values allow property owners to improve their portfolio.

“A lot of the options we’ve got for accommodation and working (will be) better than Brisbane,” Mr Percival said.

Visiting business strategist Peter Ffrench said while there was ample interest in building residential demand, it would need to be coupled with reshaping the city centre as its own destination.

Fellow visitor and business leader John Aitken said the CBD, and the wider Waterfront Priority Development Area, had “real vibrancy” and potential if there was co-operation towards overcoming challenges and vacancies.

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Mr Aitkens, having founded major Queensland events including Riverfire and River Festival, said Wood St could be focused on celebrating food, and the waterfront on rejoicing in Mackay’s heritage.

Mackay’s blue Pioneer River is a big focus of the Waterfront Priority Development Area project. Picture: Heidi Petith

“I’d like to think what you are looking to do is to transform (the CBD) from what it was created to do initially and did very well, to what it should be doing going forward,” Mr Aitken said.

Mackay region residents also had their say on how to revive the once-thriving city heart which included ideas such as free rent for pop-up shops and creating an op-shop haven.

Do you have thoughts about the future direction of the Mackay CBD? Email [e-mail]

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