Moduline factory Ingham: Concept photos reveal scope of proposed development

The first concept photos of a new high-tech factory and display room in Ingham reveal a transformative design that if approved is set to give the Hinchinbrook town a major facelift.

The frontage facing Herbert Street, the Bruce Highway. A concept photo for North Queensland custom kitchen and cabinet manufacturer Moduline’s proposed new factory expansion in Ingham. Image: Supplied

The first concept photos of a new high-tech factory and display room in Ingham reveal a transformative design that if approved is set to give the Hinchinbrook town a major facelift.

Innovative North Queensland custom kitchen and cabinet manufacturer Moduline have lodged a development application with the Hinchinbrook Shire Council for construction of a new 4830sqm factory fronting Herbert Street, the Bruce Highway.

According to a planning application document submitted to council, the factory comprises an automated Storage and panel-processing line (1384sqm, machine shop (525sqm), benchtop production (375sqm), warehouse (596sqm) and a cabinet assembly fitout-dispatch (1516sqm).

In addition, the proposed office and display area will be located to the south of the main building and comprises an area of 350sqm, the document says.

The application is yet to be considered by the Hinchinbrook Shire Council, nor discussed or voted on by the elected councillors but has already garnered significant online discussion.

The rear facing Lynn Street. A concept photo for North Queensland custom kitchen and cabinet manufacturer Moduline’s proposed new factory expansion in Ingham. Image: Supplied

The factory, if approved, would be built on land owned by the Gusmeroli family who own Moduline and Ingham Manufactures Mitre 10.

The family and council have previously stated that it was too early to comment on the proposal.

The current businesses impacted businesses on the proposed site are: Lifeline, Significant Signs, Guardian Pharmacy, Moduline Warehouse and the Salvation Army.

Only Significant Signs owner Neale Brown has spoken out against the development.

In Mr Brown’s most recent online post, Nutrient Harcourt Ingham business owner Nathan Henderson said the proposed new build was “not out of place in my opinion”.

Facing Herbert Street, the Bruce Highway. A concept photo for North Queensland custom kitchen and cabinet manufacturer Moduline’s proposed new factory expansion in Ingham. Image: Supplied

In a post liked more than 60 times in an online Ingham discussion group, the real-estate agent said the proposed factory would neighbour existing businesses that included two mechanics, a tyre shop, a service station, a large retail building, the national highway and a railway line, with the Mitre 10 and current Moduline showrooms directly opposite.

He said the location currently was “not really a well utilised site anymore considering the size”.

The interior. A concept photo for North Queensland custom kitchen and cabinet manufacturer Moduline’s proposed new factory expansion in Ingham. Image: Supplied

Mr Henderson said it took “planning and courage” to take a punt on developing a major project.

“Think of all the businesses who have left town,” he said on Wednesday morning.

“It would be so easy for a large corporate to disregard the jobs of all their loyal local staff and shift the whole project to Townsville or Cairns.”

Concept photos for North Queensland custom kitchen and cabinet manufacturer Moduline’s proposed new factory expansion in Ingham. Image: Supplied

He said it would only take a “few phone calls” to find a suitable new site outside of the town.

“If that happened, all the comments would be directed at that and town would be much worse for it,” he said.

“But here we are with a family investing in their people and their town.”

The proposed area for North Queensland custom kitchen and cabinet manufacturer Moduline’s proposed new factory expansion in Ingham. Image: Supplied

According to the application to the council, Moduline says the pan “recognises the strengths and opportunities of the region and aims to determine how land use and infrastructure planning can best support economic growth and population change over the next 25 years and beyond”.

“It has as its aims to strengthen and enable: Established industries and the already-diverse regional economy; new local jobs in established and emerging industries; and more efficient patterns of development.”

It says the proposed development aligns with the provisions prescribed by the Planning Scheme, State Planning Policy and the North Queensland Regional Plan.

Originally published as Moduline factory Ingham: Concept photos reveal scope of proposed development