Old Bar Rd: developer calls upon community to help decide how to use vacant lot

A vacant lot on the Mid-North Coast has been sold, but the developer isn’t sure what to put there. After calling on the community for suggestions, the land owner has plenty to consider.

A new pub, 24-hour gym, swimming pool or medical hub — these are the ideas from residents for a major vacant block on the state’s Mid-North Coast.

A developer is looking to revitalise the space after their recent auction purchase, but he isn’t sure how.

Through the local LJ Hooker team - who re-sold the land to the external developer - a call was put out to the community for suggestions on how best to use the land at 40-42 Old Bar Rd.

Since the commercial site has now been sold, LJ Hooker called upon the community for suggestions on how to use the space.

Among the suggestions were a pub, dental surgery, heated pool, 24-hour gym, casino, shopping mall, Bunnings, doctor’s clinic, chemist, petrol station, water splash park, children’s bike track, minigolf, laundromat, florist, chiropractor, police station, JB Hi-Fi, high school, boutique movie theatre, clothing shop, variety store,

Food retailers were another popular suggestion, with ideas for a salad bar, sushi shop, barbecue joint, McDonalds, Thai and Chinese restaurants, a fruit and vegetable market, bubble tea outlet, Pizza Hut, and general cafe put forward.

Woolworths and ALDI were another popular suggestion, with some complaining the Old Bar Coles doesn’t stock “everything you want”.

“After living in the area for five years, having to travel to Taree for the daily grocery shop does get kinda tiring,” one local woman offered.

A space for the town’s youth was also suggested, with locals noting there isn’t many options, especially for teens.

“My teens have no where safe to go and socialise that’s fun after school,” a local mum shared.

“Some ten pin bowling lanes and a cafe, with good music at night for teens? Would also be great for social and school groups,” another person offered.

“A sports complex would be of benefit,” suggested another.

An indoor play centre, like Flip Out, was also put forward.

While there’s plenty of enthusiasm and a lot of great ideas, LJ Hooker director Josh Robards confirmed the developer hasn’t yet decided on how the land will be used, but is continuing to investigate and consult the community.

The new owner acquired the land after it went to auction, and Mr Robards said the “seasoned developer” is proactive about getting things moving quickly.

“The developer wanted to ask the town - locals and business owners - what the town needs,” Mr Robards said. “Do they want more medical facilities, or commercial office space, or do they need more residential options?

“So far, he’s got a couple of ideas but nothing is solid at this stage.

“It’s looking like he’ll probably look to invest in some commercial office spaces possibly, which could open itself up to doctors and medical professionals taking up a couple of those offices.

“Or maybe an extension of the current medical centre here.”

Mr Robards said the site could be developed into a two-storey development, with residential accommodation upstairs and shopfronts downstairs.

However, it seems not everyone is on-board with the idea of more development to the small coastal community.

“Less development as it will destroy our pristine community,” one person commented.

“Less development at the expense of wildlife,” said another.

Others suggested the maintenance of local roads and infrastructure should take priority.

“What we need is a second road to the highway, learn a lesson from the bushfires,” one woman said.

“A second road access, either through the existing forest roads or across bridges to Croki,” suggested another.

A carpark was also among the suggestions.