Jobs boom to drive demand in growing Mackay suburb

Major retailers Fantastic Furniture, Spotlight, Anaconda and Nick Scali, locked in

Mt Pleasant is expected to grow even further. Picture: Melanie Plane

MOUNT Pleasant's strong hold on the title of the most sought after suburb in Mackay could strengthen even further as a flurry of residential construction and retail activity hits the area.

Home Consortium's announcement that the former Masters site on Mackay-Bucasia Road will generate 200 jobs as major retailers Fantastic Furniture, Spotlight, Anaconda and Nick Scali open in the space in August has added further fuel to the development fire in Mount Pleasant and the surrounding suburbs of Beaconsfield and Richmond.

Residential estates are expanding and selling in the area and leading Mackay agents believe it could spark further commercial and residential movement.

Blacks Real Estate director Greg Lewis said he wouldn't be surprised if more businesses that service family lifestyles, such as convenience stores like IGA, opened their doors nearby.

Colliers International has already advertised a 'for lease' space for a cafe to support the complex.

"That all comes hand in hand, if you look at other regional cities where these hubs have formed, you will see it all aligned with family lifestyles," Mr Lewis said.

"All of those businesses will employ people and that is the key. You will have more people working out in that area and a lot of research shows people like to have housing fairly close to their work if they can get it."

Mr Lewis said developments such as Belmore Estate, located off Mackay-Bucasia Rd between Bunnings and Holy Spirit College, could expand further with future demand.

"There has been an increase of demand in that area, we have noticed that on the ground out there already," he said.

"Belmore have just released a new stage, we have nine lots out there and there are already commitments on all nine. It has been a hive of activity."

Gardian Real Estate director Ben Kerrisk shared Mr Lewis' sentiments, saying there had already been activity in the area without the addition of the new stores.

"We have been looking at the land sales out there quite closely and they have increased substantially in estates such as Belmore and Kerrisdale," he said.

"It is a good family area close to great schools and not too far from the CBD. With the added job opportunities it is definitely more attractive.

"Mount Pleasant has had a stronghold for as long as we can remember and we are seeing the positive effects of that flow into surrounding suburbs."

It is a similar story at Richmond Hills estate just to the north off Mackay-Habana Rd where development manager Paul Thompson says sales have been steadily improving.

"We have sold a healthy number of blocks and have just started construction of a new stage," Mr Thompson said.

"I think the Masters site announcement is great news not only for Mackay but for north of the river.

"It adds a lot of employment north of the river."

Home Consortium chairman David Di Pilla said they were looking forward to moving to the sugar city.

"We anticipate this being a very exciting centre, consistent with our convenient, value-for-money, best of brands proposition."

Nick Scali CEO Anthony Scali says the Home Consortium's "prime location" in Mackay will allow them to showcase the huge range of furniture.

"Spotlight and Anaconda are thrilled to be opening stores in Mackay," Spotlight group holdings executive chairman Zac Fried added.

"We are invested in the passion and creativity of our customers and are excited to share that spirit with the region."

More announcements of tenants for the smaller specialty tenancies will be announced soon, before the scheduled opening of the centre in August.

Originally published as Jobs boom to drive demand in growing Mackay suburb