Vision for the waterfront

DESPITE his Centenary Dr car park proposal rejection, Andrew Baker is excited council is selling part of the Maclean car park to IGA to build a supermarket.

Andrew Baker in front of the riverbank at the rear of the Maclean CBD. Picture: Adam Hourigan

DESPITE his Centenary Dr car park supermarket proposal being rejected by the council in 2007, Andrew Baker is excited the council is selling part of the Maclean car park to IGA to build a supermarket in the CBD.

The Maclean-based developer said the council decision opened the door for the next step on his path toward his $12 million development of the Scottish town’s waterfront.

“We have got at least four development approvals already, in and around the Maclean Hotel,” he said.

“The plan includes some ground floor retail space and units above.

“We have already got approval for a restaurant in an old wooden shed that at one stage was the ice works that serviced the North Coast.”

Other plans include a walkway adjacent to the hotel linking River St with the waterfront, a riverfront walkway and green ‘lifestyle space’ and a marina.

He said as well as the waterfront development his company, Holder Baker Enterprises, wanted to “freshen up the main street look.”

Mr Baker said he was looking forward to a meeting with consultants employed by the council to do a waterfront study to discuss his plans.

Once the waterfront study gets the green light, he hopes work will commence in 2013.

“Councillors made the right decision about the supermarket this time,” he said. “It’s much more urgent now than it was three or four years ago because Maclean has been in decline, not because of the refusal before, but because of the times.

“This will be a major shot in the arm for Maclean business and community.”

Originally published as Vision for the waterfront