Twin Clarion towers

A $25 MILLION replica of the Clarion Hotel boasting 120 rooms over 12 storeys will be built at Mackay's marina.

An artist’s perspective of the new 12-storey hotel which will be built at the Mackay Marina alongside the Clarion Hotel. Picture: Contributed

A $25 MILLION replica of the Clarion Hotel boasting 120 rooms over 12 storeys will be built at Mackay's marina.

The building will be constructed adjacent to the Clarion Hotel, sharing the existing reception, restaurant, pool and bar facilities.

Councillors yesterday gave the hotel the green light after the developer made changes to an application previously approved by council. The original proposal was for 23 apartments over 12 levels.

However, developer Port Binnli decided integrating another hotel to the Clarion was a better way to go.

Planning and development portfolio councillor Di Hatfield said this was a great outcome for the community.

"Clearly the market has changed since the original application was approved and big ticks to the developer for recognising that market has changed and for coming to us," she said.

Cr Hatfield said three public submissions responding to the original proposal had been considered.

The submissions raised concerns about noise. The developer had removed balconies and ancillary activities at the front of the building, which were seen as noise generators, she said.

A multi-level car park will also be built at the site.

Cr Hatfield said the developer required approvals for operational works before construction could start. This would take two to three months, she said.

A recent accommodation study showed Mackay needed to almost double its 2300 hotel rooms before 2025.

Originally published as Twin Clarion towers