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Cairns development: Gasparin and Villawood charge forward on Half Moon Bay

The developers behind a proposal for a mega gated community on Cairns’ northern beaches have wasted no time lodging an extraordinarily detailed application to council. Read what’s proposed.

Half Moon Bay development

The development titans behind a proposed 266-lot project at Half Moon Bay at Trinity Park have wasted no time lodging an extremely comprehensive development application with Cairns Regional Council.

The whopping 990-page document extensively addresses ecological and marine issues for the picturesque site at the end of Reed Rd.

Veteran Cairns developer Frank Gasparin has joined forces with national building giant Villawood, in that company’s first foray into Far North Queensland.

Villawood CEO Alan Miller, Gasparin Group owner Frank Gasparin and Mason Cowle, of Ellivo Architects, at Half Moon Bay. Picture: Brendan Radke
Villawood CEO Alan Miller, Gasparin Group owner Frank Gasparin and Mason Cowle, of Ellivo Architects, at Half Moon Bay. Picture: Brendan Radke

The document outlines stages one to eight of the masterplanned community title development.

“The Half Moon Bay project aims to deliver a high-quality residential estate comprising detached dwellings and terrace-style housing on smaller lots which will appeal to those seeking a low-maintenance lifestyle in proximity to the beach,” it stated.

A development application for the 266-lot gated community Half Moon Bay has been lodged with Cairns Regional Council. Picture: Supplied
A development application for the 266-lot gated community Half Moon Bay has been lodged with Cairns Regional Council. Picture: Supplied

“The proposal also comprises private and public open space and recreation areas and community facilities and seeks to retain the important natural coastal features of the site.”

There is 1km of frontage to the beach and Half Moon Creek.

The balance of one of two lots comprising the 18.78ha site comprising mangrove vegetation on tidal land will be transferred to the state for coastal management purposes.

A development application for the 266-lot gated community Half Moon Bay has been lodged with Cairns Regional Council. Picture: Supplied
A development application for the 266-lot gated community Half Moon Bay has been lodged with Cairns Regional Council. Picture: Supplied

Lot sizes will range from 176sqm to 832sqm, with the smallest lots being rear-access terrace-style lots.

“Being a community-title development, greater control over built form can be achieved through these regulations which will be embedded in the community management statement which will become a binding document on future purchasers.

Artwork relating to a 266-lot gated community proposal for Half Moon Bay. Picture: supplied.
Artwork relating to a 266-lot gated community proposal for Half Moon Bay. Picture: supplied.

“No clearing of marine plants is proposed other than a very minor amount to formalise the proposed beach access which is to extend from the esplanade park.

“The waters of Half Moon Creek and those immediately offshore form a part of the Great Barrier Reef Coast Marine Park,” the document states, noting that Half Moon Creek is designated as an Estuarine Conservation Zone.

Frank Gasparin and Villawood Homes have lodged a 990-page development application for a 266-lot community title project at Half Moon Bay.
Frank Gasparin and Villawood Homes have lodged a 990-page development application for a 266-lot community title project at Half Moon Bay.

Mr Gasparin has held the site for 20 years.

The site overlooks Yorkeys Knob marina and boat club.

Mr Gasparin said there were plans to start marketing homes once council approval was granted, with a sales office to open in Shields St.

The Adelaide-based investor has also applied for an extension of time for the C3 tower development at the corner of Sheridan St and Kenny St, to 2029.

A development application for the 266-lot gated community Half Moon Bay has been lodged with Cairns Regional Council. Picture: supplied.
A development application for the 266-lot gated community Half Moon Bay has been lodged with Cairns Regional Council. Picture: supplied.

It comprises a 796-unit complex, including one 24-storey tower and two 23-level towers, with a mix of residential and holiday accommodation as well as office and shopping spaces.

He is also lobbying council to develop a $2.5m ‘rodeo drive’ Beverly Hills-style shopping precinct at the corner of Abbott St and Shields St.

bronwyn.farr@news.com.au

Originally published as Cairns development: Gasparin and Villawood charge forward on Half Moon Bay

Original URL: https://www.goldcoastbulletin.com.au/news/cairns/cairns-development-gasparin-and-villawood-charge-forward-on-half-moon-bay/news-story/cc028425619528c240e4da45d5083030