Development proposal for Gulmarrad 86 lot subdivision, supermarket, tavern

A developer has flagged plans for a $17 million project including a shopping complex and tavern in the lower Clarence. Take a look.

Gulmarrad shopping precinct concept layout

An empty field in the Clarence Valley could soon be home to a sprawling shopping centre and a tavern as part of a $17 million development.

Newton Denny Chappell has lodged a development proposal with Clarence Valley Council for an 86 lot subdivision at the intersection of Brooms Head Rd and Sheehans Ln, Gulmarrad.

A previous application was rejected by the council, which raised concerns about stormwater infrastructure and biodiversity impacts back in 2020.

In planning documents, the developer now states the project “has been designed so as to respect the scale, nature and style of development in and around” the site.

“The site has been earmarked for a number of years for commercial and residential development,” the documents read.

“(This) proposal will establish a contemporary commercial precinct to service the needs of Gulmarrad and adjoining communities.”

The proposed Gulmarrad shopping precinct layout.

The proposed shopping centre on the 12.17 hectare vacant plot of land would contain a supermarket, seven retail stores and two first floor tenancies, likely to also be taken up by retail, hospitality or office-based businesses.

What it could look like … artist impression.

The plans flag a tavern with a drive-through bottle shop, restaurant, function room, alfresco areas and a playground.

If approved, the development would include a two-storey block with five retail spaces and almost 170 vehicle parking spaces.

One of the lots would also be turned into an open space park.

The developers also propose widening Sheehans Lane and building a new road for site access.

Clarence residents have until October 23 to make a submission on the proposal.