C.ex 13-storey $44 million high-rise project set to invigorate Coffs Harbour

A sky-piercing mega crane has taken up residence in the heart of Coffs Harbour as a project worth one million dollars a vertical metre enters a new phase.

The huge crane towering over the construction site of a 13-storey residential and commercial development at Coffs Harbour. Picture: Chris Knight

They say construction cranes on the skyline are a solid indicator of a city’s economic vibrancy.

If that’s so, Coffs Harbour is in a sweet spot, with the arrival of a massive crane in the CBD.

It’s there to help build the $44 million C.ex high rise, which comes on the back of a slew of other major developments at The Jetty, Park Beach and at the Coffs Harbour Health Campus.

The 13-storey tower will be mostly residential and significantly add to the changing face of Coffs.

Until now, most of the construction works has gone unseen by curious residents.

C.ex Group chief executive officer John Rafferty said the building needs a strong footing and the crane will be crucial in the 44 metre tall build.

“There will be 160 piles all up and over 100 have been done,” he said.

C.ex Group CEO John Rafferty (inset) and an artist’s impression of the high rise which will underpin renewal of the inner city.

“The crane will do all the heavy lifting.”

The landmark building will provide a substantial boost to inner city housing stock.

Artist's impression of C.ex Group's proposed high-rise in the Coffs CBD. View from Vernon St.

The ground floor will be retail space, while the 12-storeys above will be residential.

Mr Rafferty said 81 of 95 apartments have already been sold.

The mega crane as seen from Dan Murphys on the Pacific Highway. Picture: Chris Knight

“People will be interested (in securing a place) once they see it coming up out of the ground,” he said.

“It’s the biggest (private) project in the CBD.”

City of Coffs Harbour has identified a need for urban renewal in the downtown precinct, and the council’s $80m Yarrila Place cultural and civic space is part of the mix.

Yarrila Place is fast taking shape and is due to be completed mid-year. Picture: Chris Knight

It is nearing completion and will house a library, gallery, museum and council services.

Mr Rafferty said the C.ex project was “on track” for a November-December 2024 opening.

The high-rise at the site of City Boulevard was approved by the Northern Region Planning Panel in 2021.

It includes 155 carparking spaces and seven retail spaces on the ground floor, as well as an open-to-air public laneway joining Harbour Dr with Vernon St.

The C.ex Group spent more than 18 months strategising ways to activate the city centre, and after exploring ideas such as a four-and-a-half star hotel, it came to the conclusion mixed-use residential was the way to go.