‘More permanent accommodation would be fantastic’: Development could revive strip of Esplanade

A transformational proposal for a dual-tower development at the northern end of the Cairns Esplanade has landed on the desk of council’s planning department. Check out the remarkable plans.

A JADED stretch of Cairns Esplanade could be home to two swanky apartment buildings totalling 90 units, alongside a small retail or restaurant precinct.

The buildings – one of nine storeys and one of 13 storeys – would replace the tired Costa Blanca accommodation at 239-241 Esplanade and command sweeping views over the city and sea.

A tired two-storey building on the corner of the Esplanade and McKenzie St would also be demolished, along with a home at 243 Esplanade.

Two buildings, of nine storeys and 13 storeys, are proposed for a site between the Esplanade and Lake St, comprising 90 apartments and a retail or restaurant precinct. Picture: Supplied.

The new development application includes 252-254 Lake St where there was an existing approval for a 13 storey tower on the Esplanade side.

The application is from Lee Group Australia, whose directors are Susanna Lee and King-Yung Philip Lee.

Stage one comprises 24 two bedroom and two four bedroom units in a nine storey building of 32.9m.

Design details for the first building have been created, with the developers emphasising that vertical landscaping with the use of trellises would soften the look of the building.

It would have 31 car parks over two levels and four on-street carparks.

Existing buildings on the site of a nine storey apartment tower and shopping development proposed for the Cairns Esplanade at Cairns North. Picture: Isaac McCarthy

Stage two is a separate but adjoining 13 storey building that would have 66 units and a food or drink outlet or shop.

There would be 58 two bedroom apartments and six apartments with three or more bedrooms and 67 car parks.

“The proposed development provides a positive contribution toward Cairns as a ‘city in a rainforest’, through strong application of tropical urbanism principles,” the document states.

The development application said landscaping would screen the level one car park and the building would appear to “float” above the greenery.

It would have seven levels of apartment living and an expansive rooftop communal recreation area with tropical landscaping cascading over the sides of the building.

In total, there would be 90 units and 88 car parks plus 10 car parks in the McKenzie Rd reserve, the document states.

The development would encompass 12 lots overall.

Imelda and Peter De Roma, Whitfield residents who have walked the Cairns Esplanade for more than 20 years, haven’t witnessed much development on the Esplanade’s northern end and say a new accommodation and retail precinct would be a good idea.

“It’s a beautiful part of Cairns, so more permanent accommodation would be fantastic,” said Mr De Roma.

“This end of the Esplanade could be focused on permanent residential development that would be more high-density.

“In terms of style, you would have retail on the bottom, restaurants and shops, with accommodation on top.”

Ms De Roma agreed and said the development would be a welcome solution to the current choke on housing supply.

“You need that injection of development, especially for accommodation as things are so tight,” she said.

“The JCU hospital campus will be putting demands on accommodation too, which increase that demand for permanent accommodation.”

Two buildings, of nine storeys and 13 storeys, are proposed for a site between the Esplanade and Lake St, comprising 90 apartments and a retail or restaurant precinct. Picture: Supplied.

Ms De Roma referenced the spinal injury centre on Smith St as an appropriate model of critical infrastructure combined with permanent accommodation.

“That was quite tastefully done. I think catering for people with disabilities is something that isn’t always done.

“This area is also a good place for retirees as the infrastructure is more diverse and there’s more options for entertainment.”

Cairns Regional Council’s division five Cr Amy Eden responded positively to news of the development application.

“As the city grows and adapts to meet the social, economic, environmental conditions the availability of housing options also needs to respond,” she said.

“Housing diversity is important in ensuring housing is available, accessible, affordable for all stages of life.

“Thriving communities need people – people are the soul of the space,” Cr Eden said.

“Increasing density in the city brings a vibrancy.”

While the southern end of the Esplanade has been revived with council’s $28m dining precinct project and the showpiece Crystalbrook Riley and Crystalbrook Flynn, the stretch north of Cairns Hospital has seen no such recent investment.

It is home to Chinese investor Benny Wu’s dated Acacia Court Hotel – he bought it in $18m in 2013 with $80m redevelopment plans which have not eventuated.

And there is a beautifully maintained colonial-style home believed to have been designed by architect Eddie Orchard in the late-1930s at 261-263 Esplanade – it is listed on the planning scheme as a place of significance.

A house that could have been similarly impressive, the prestigious former home of late-GP Dr Leslie Westaway, has become dilapidated in recent years under the ownership of Benny Wu.

But a luxury home at 265 Esplanade has been built by tourism industry veterans Greg and Lenore Harbour, who ditched the 1986 red brick home on the site and have built a stunning three storey residence.

Originally published as ‘More permanent accommodation would be fantastic’: Development could revive strip of Esplanade