Big Tuncurry development backed by Nick Jacenko and Lisa Ho rejected by MidCoast Council

A prominent couple behind a massive 11-storey shop top apartment complex have chosen to “test the will” of MidCoast Council. Here’s how a vote on the project played out.

Plans for an 11-storey development at Tuncurry.

Big names behind a proposal for a massive 11-storey shop top apartment complex in Tuncurry have chosen to “test the will” of MidCoast Council.

The picturesque coastal town has long been earmarked for high rise development and a number of proposals including one around the corner in Peel St have been given the green light in recent months.

But the current project up for consideration by councillors on Wednesday afternoon was seeking to go above the 30 metre height limit to 35.5 metres.

A prominent couple behind the $23.5 million proposal on Manning St, near John Wright Park, are businesswoman Roxy Jacenko’s father Nick Jacenko and his partner, designer Lisa Ho.

The pair spoke in support of the application in the lead up to the council meeting.

Lisa Ho and Nick Jacenko. Picture: Supplied

Architect for the project is Port Macquarie-based Wayne Ellis.

It involves the consolidation of four blocks between Manning St and Manning Lane and Kent and Catherine streets, and the redevelopment of the Pacific Palms Motor Inn.

The recommendation from senior staff was to approve the application, which would include one level of retail and 10-storeys housing 36 units

Deputy Mayor Alan Tickle had other ideas.

He raised a motion for the project to be rejected as it was “undesirable” and did not keep with the surrounding area.

Cr Tickle pointed out the developer had been invited to reduce the build by one storey, but chose not to “take heed” of suggestions.

“They chose to test the will of council,” he said.

Plans for an 11-storey $23.5m development in the twin towns of Forster/Tuncurry on the Mid-North Coast have hit a snag.

Cr Tickle’s motion to reject the project was supported by councillor Jeremy Miller.

He said it was a “lovely” design and considerable money had been spent on it over the years.

“But I don’t accept the argument that if a developer puts more money into it we wave it through,” Cr Miller said.

Councillor Peter Epov said at the meeting developers had every opportunity to revise plans over the years.

Plans for an 11-storey $23.5m development in the twin towns of Forster/Tuncurry on the Mid-North Coast have hit a snag.

The proposed site would have included four blocks surrounded by Manning St, Kent St, Catherine St and Manning Lane.

Councillor Troy Fowler supported the proposal and said it would help bring Tuncurry “out of the 1970s”.

The consolidation of the four lots would include four separate road frontages to make up a large single allotment.

Historic timber buildings were removed some years ago to create a vacant block on the corner of Manning and Kent streets.

Cr Tickle’s move to reject the application was backed by councillors Jeremy Miller, Paul Sandilands, Peter Epov, Katheryn Stinson (Smith) and Mayor Claire Pontin.

Those in support were councillors Dheera Smith, Troy Fowler, David West and Kathryn Bell.

The project was rejected.

Originally published as Big Tuncurry development backed by Nick Jacenko and Lisa Ho rejected by MidCoast Council