Kindred Developments go back to the drawing board on Newport Marina upgrade

A developer, who had a grand plan to build two 30m tall towers at a southeast Queensland marina, has drastically changed his plans for the development after public outrage.

Kindred Developments have lodged a new application for the Newport Marina. It will now be six storeys and feature apartments. Image: Rothelowman

A developer, who had grand plans to build two 30m tall towers at a southeast Queensland marina, has drastically changed his plans for the development after public outrage.

The proposal to build two 10 storey towers at the Newport Marina, north of Brisbane, was lodged by Kindred Developments, in August last year.

Kindred Group CEO Josh Kindred owns the marina.

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Concept plan of Kindred Developments originally wanted to build at the Newport Marina.

Kindred Developments have lodged a new application for the Newport Marina. It will now be six storeys and feature apartments. Image: Rothelowman

His original vision was to transform the marina into a retail and residential hub, with a mix of residential apartments, short-term accommodation, function centre, dining precincts, public green space, marine education precinct and a $1 million, 20m long, 2m wide and 2m high, public aquarium.

But not everyone, particularly those living in the streets surrounding the marina, were happy with the plans.

During the public consultation period Moreton Bay Regional Council received 1298 submissions in relation to the development.

Of those 662 were in favour of the proposal and 636.

Kindred Developments have lodged a new application for the Newport Marina. It will now be six storeys and feature apartments. Image: Rothelowman

Those against raised concerns about the height, traffic and affect it would have on property values.

In November Kindred made the decision to put a hold on the development process, in order to consider comments made by the community.

Kindred Developments lodged a new application, for the same site, with Moreton Bay Regional Council on April 18, 2019.

Mr Kindred said: “There is a level of disappointment for the Moreton Bay Region when retracting some of the development’s originally proposed aspects, however, we have listened to the Newport community and are committed to delivering positive developments throughout our region”

This new application is drastically different.

It proposes to build one six storey development with 54 apartments, a mix of two, three and four bedrooms.

“This revised development provides a residential offering not yet available in Newport,

filling a void in the market. Somewhere people can live a low-maintenance lifestyle while

having their boat at their doorstep,” Mr Kindred said.

“The development also proposes significant upgrades to the marina facility, improving the

marine services on the site.”

Kindred Developments have lodged a new application for the Newport Marina. It will now be six storeys and feature apartments. Image: Rothelowman

The building will be just 24.1m tall, not the 35m originally proposed.

There will be 111 car park spaces split between the basement and ground level.

The application also seeks permission to build a 345 sqm commercial area for a shop, food and drink outlet or office and 55 sqm office for the marina operations.

Residents, of the complex, will have access to a pool and sun deck on level 1.

The new application does not mention a marine education precinct or public aquarium.

Mr Kindred said, if approved, he expected construction to start this year.