A NEW resort style development application has been submitted to council that could be a complex that could be the start of a new look esplanade in Torquay.
The 21 storey development proposes a combination of over 180 hotel room accommodation with another 431 stylish apartments for residential purposes. The applications states “The site development provides for four hundred and thirty-one (431) units in eight (8) differing formats and providing for floor areas of 94 m2 to 206 m2”.
The location has been identified on the esplanade at Torquay which currently has the budget accommodation of ‘Buzzers’, surrounding units at ‘The Hub’ and the now closed nightclub Smoke ‘n’ Leather.
The owner of the land Sunny Beach Land Pty Ltd, is also named as a developer in the recent submission that indicates a complex that compliments the unique coastline.
The submission provides the designs and layout of the resort that includes a hotel section for the first 5 levels. This shows 187 short-stay rooms and carparking facilities provided.
Level 6 is an entertainment area for guests like no other in the region. Some of the facilities that are included in the level 6 plans are a “communal recreation” area that provides a large resort pool and bar, barbecues and a children’s specific swimming and playing area.
From level 6 to the top 21st floor will be 431 residential apartments with views never experienced in Hervey Bay previously.
This proposal would be the first multi storey development exceeding 6 stories since 2006 when the original Peppers Pier Resort (now Oaks Resort) was built. There has been other recent approvals of 10+ storey complexes since but no construction has been started.
The area identified is recognised for it’s potential with the location central for tourism to many of Hervey Bay’s favoured facilities including the family friendly swimming beaches.
A Fraser Coast Regional Council spokesperson says, “This is an impact-assessable development application, which requires a broad assessment of how it will impact the community. It also means the public will have an opportunity to provide feedback before a formal report is provided to Councillors to make a decision.
“We encourage anyone interested in having their say about this proposed development to do so during the public notification stage of the assessment process.”
While social media has been fiercely debated by locals, local businesses within this precinct have been vocal in their support and focused their attention on employment opportunities and housing availability.
The application states a number of economic benefits including employment growth, that states “the proposed development will generate 1100 jobs during the construction phase and 250 direct employment opportunities during the operational stage.”
It also mentions tourism benefits, and connecting with other “business and industry opportunities that support or service the mining industry are encouraged”.
Darren Carter, Licensee for the Torquay Hotel, is very strong in the support for development. He says, “It’s great for employment………It’s great for Hervey Bay”.
He goes on to discuss the ongoing benefits “it brings more flights to our town, it helps with housing……it makes everything more affordable for the region”.
The application is expected to be considered with a decision by early 2024.
