Inside plans for The Dunes at Mackay Harbour including resort, residential blocks
A ‘higher-end’ resort complete with a poolside bar promising to be like no other Mackay has seen will open in the next three to five years, the developer has revealed. SEE THE DESIGNS
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A beachside resort promising to be like no other Mackay has seen could open in the next three to five years, the developer has revealed.
East Point Pty Ltd, the subsidiary of parent company BMD Group, has submitted an application to amend its master planned community at Mackay Harbour.
Documents lodged to Mackay Regional Council reveal the company is hoping to convert three tourism-zoned lots at The Dunes into 231 extra residential housing blocks, while still pushing ahead on plans to build a resort that will “provide a point of difference” to accommodation offered within the Mackay CBD.
But instead of a hotel with 140 suites, as outlined in the preliminary approval issued in 2005, East Point is now proposing a “higher-end” build with 63 rooms, with an independent economic analysis supporting the revision.
The application states while The Dunes was designed to harmonise with the Mackay Region Planning Scheme, the announcement of the Mackay Waterfront Priority Development Area project in 2018 had significantly diluted” the estate’s role as an “ideal location for additional tourism accommodation” and instead placed focus on development along the Pioneer River and Binnington Esplanade.
It further says the as-approved estate would create tourism land that exceeded what was necessary to meet Mackay’s current and future needs.
“However given the current residential housing market, there is an overwhelming need for additional housing product over and above that of the demand for tourism-orientated development,” documents state.
Mackay desires more oceanside residential living: Developer
The application argues unlocking more residential lots not only catered for a growing desire to live near the coast but filled a gap for those wanting to live within 10 minutes of the city centre, with only 30 low-density residential allotments across Slade Point, East Mackay and South Mackay left that met this criteria.
Urbex project director David Argent said East Point’s submission also rationalised and formalised the company’s intentions to deliver “sooner rather than later as originally master planned” a four-storey resort complex.
It features more than 1000 sqm for commercial space with early designs showing provisions for a cafe, gelato shop, beautician or yoga studio, convenience store, a restaurant and functions venue, and a poolside bar.
“The resort complex will provide a high-quality tourist facility not yet seen within the Mackay region and forms the commencement of an activated, attractive and desirable main street hub for locals and tourists alike,” Mr Argent said.
“The final delivery of the resort amenity and services will be directed by the resort operator however it is expected all general amenities will be open to the public in the next three to five years.”
Mr Argent said the estate’s residential blocks had been “very well received” so far with further stages to progress in line with the proposed master plan and market demand over the next 10 to 15 years.
Population growth at Mackay Harbour set to outpace region average
The economic analysis states the population at Mackay Harbour was projected to increase from 565 persons in 2020 to 1840 by 2041, a 5.8 per cent per annum rise compared to the Northern Beaches’ average of 2.4 per cent and a region average of 1.3 per cent, with dwellings at the harbour also predicted to grow from 314 to 894 over the same time period.
The analysis further states the real estate market perceived the Mackay Harbour as a “premium” location with median sale prices 69.7 per cent higher than the average for the Mackay Urban Area with this trend predicted to continue given the appeal of a coastal lifestyle near a CBD.
Mr Argent said the The Dunes outlined a vision for a “vibrant urban and tourism hub” with more than a third of the land dedicated to open space, conservation areas, and parkland to ensure a “harmonious blend of nature and modern fresh beachside living”.
Originally published as Inside plans for The Dunes at Mackay Harbour including resort, residential blocks
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