There are plans to build two 10-storey buildings at Newport Marina

A QUIET southeast Queensland suburb that features million-dollar homes, canals and a bayside location has managed to remain off the development radar, no doubt pleasing many of its 3000 residents. But all that is set to change... in a big way.

Artistic impressions of what the Newport Marina development would like if approved. Image: Rothelowman.

IT is known for its waterfront lifestyle, million-dollar homes and canals — but if a real estate agent’s plans are approved this southeast Queensland suburb could soon be home to a lot more.

Newport, on the Redcliffe Peninsula between Scarborough and Kippa-Ring, is home to less than 3000 people.

Artistic impressions of what the Newport Marina development would like if approved. Image: Rothelowman

It has a marina and the majority of homes back on to a canal.

Joshua Kindred, owner/principal of Kindred Real Estate, owns the marina at Griffith Rd, Newport.

URBIS lodged a development application (DA) with Moreton Bay Regional Council, on behalf of Kindred Developments PTY LTD, on August 10, to transform the Newport Marina with two 10-storey buildings.

Artistic impressions of what the Newport Marina development would like if approved. Image: Rothelowman

One will function as a hotel, the other as residential apartments.

The developer is also seeking approval to include a function facility, shops, food and drink outlet, bar, office and marine industry.

Artistic impressions of what the Newport Marina development would like if approved. Image: Rothelowman

There will be a 120 hotel rooms, 24 serviced apartments and 93 apartments.

The DA states the hotel will stand at 35.6m tall and the residential building at 33.95m.

Under the Moreton Bay Planning Scheme the area is zoned as a Marine Industry precinct and buildings have a height limit of 15m.

Artistic impressions of what the Newport Marina development would like if approved. Image: Rothelowman

In the DA under the justification for the height it reads:

“The unique qualities of the site lend themselves to the development of landmark buildings that exhibit design excellence.

“The additional height allows the site coverage to be minimised, noting the site cover is significantly less than what is permitted on adjacent sites, ie the next generation neighbourhood precinct.

“This affords opportunities to provide increased landscaping and publicly assessable spaces than could otherwise be achieved by a shorter building occupied by a larger building footprint”.

Not all residents are impressed with the development plan and have formed the Newport Action Group.

President Kenlie Williams said the proposal was “out of step with Newport and Peninsula residents’ expectations for the site”.

“What we would like to see is a modern, clever development that represents the culture and liveability of the Newport area,” she said.

“Two towers, including a hotel, being constructed in the middle of our residential community would irreparably change the culture of this area we call home.”

Artistic impressions of what the Newport Marina development would like if approved. Image: Rothelowman

Joshua Kindred has been contacted for comment.

It is not yet known when council will make a decision on the application.