New $13m apartments in Lismore would be a ‘game changer’

A PROPOSAL for a 41-unit development in the CBD is being considered by the council, with senior staff describing it as "critical to our future growth".

Quest Serviced Apartments has expressed interest in building a $13 million, 41-unit complex on the corner of Dawson and Magellan Sts, Lismore. Picture: Rebecca Lollback

A PROPOSAL to build a $13 million serviced apartment block on the corner of Dawson and Magellan Sts in Lismore will be considered by the council at its meeting tomorrow night.

The land is currently being used as a car park (Fredericks car park) and is owned by the council.

According to the council's business papers, there has been interest from Quest Apartment Hotels, in conjunction with FKG Group, to build 41 apartments at the site.

The council's executive director of sustainable development said it would be a "genuine game changer" for Lismore.

"In this regard I place this proposal in the same category as the North Lismore Plateau, i.e. critical to our future growth and regional role," the council report states.

"Both the timing of this proposal and the companies we are dealing with appear to be ideal."

For a number of years there has been a demand for serviced apartments in the Lismore CBD.

The Quest apartments would be used by visiting professionals in the health, education and justice sectors, and also by families coming to the region for sporting and cultural events.

One of the main issues surrounding the proposal is the loss of CBD car parking.

The council report has acknowledged the proposed development would result in the loss of about 120 car parks, but said work would be done to ensure they were replaced within the CBD area.