Development proposal lodged with Ballina Shire Council for shop top housing at 471 River St, West Ballina

A $16 million shop top apartment project could soon take the place of a motel badly damaged by flooding at Ballina. Take a look at the plans.

What it could look like …

A plot of land with a flood-damaged motel on the North Coast could be redeveloped into a series of shops and apartments built with an unusual “three dimensional mesh structure”.

Town planner Byron Bay Planning, on behalf of owner Dianne Hartog, has proposed a $16 million development of shop top apartments at 471 River St, West Ballina.

If approved, the 6344 sqm site would see the demolition of Ballina’s Fun ‘n’ Sun Motel, which was impacted by flooding.

The project is set to include almost 30 residences, six food and drink stores, spaces for businesses, an internal courtyard and almost 70 car parks.

The location of the proposed development (in green).

Planning documents state the project would feature a facade of an “award-winning” recycled polycarbonate mesh — known as “kaynemaile”.

“The three dimensional mesh structure enables free air flow movement through the mesh … (keeping) the building well ventilated,” planning documents state.

“(It also prevents) heat from entering the interior of the building by up to 70 per cent.”

The exterior of the proposed development.

The development is rated as facing a medium risk of flooding and plans state flood waters could cut off surrounding roads.

The developer states it is “of pivotal importance” the proposed shop top housing “does not undermine the retail function of the Ballina core CBD town centre”.

The proposal is pitched as helping to create “a vibrant, active and integrated” work/life balance in West Ballina.

Have your say about the project on the Ballina Shire Council website.