Development application approved
WEST Gladstone could soon house a community services precinct and residential area after Gladstone Regional Council voted to proceed with a development application for the proposal.
The 28 hectare site on Council-owned land in Philip St has been the subject of a number of different proposals over the past 10 years, but Council said its decision had opened the way for its development as a much-need community services precinct and a 200-unit retirement village.
The proposed $40 million development, designed on Council's behalf by Opus International Consultants, also includes 61 elevated residential allotments and a parkland setting incorporating an open air amphitheatre, playgrounds and walking trails.
Community Services Portfolio Spokesperson Cr Maxine Brushe said there were a number of triggers for developing this central city site,
"The Gladstone Retirement Village Committee, comprising representatives from various regional senior citizens groups, has sought Council's assistance to secure additional retirement village facilities in Gladstone, and this development plan helps achieve that goal" Cr Brushe said.
"The plan also responds to recommendations from the Social Infrastructure Strategic Plan that more of the region's community services be centralised closer to retail and commercial areas to make them more accessible for those requiring access via public transport.
"This would include the inclusion of Council's Community Advisory Service and a child and family centre in a location close to the existing Stockland Kin Kora shopping centre."
"Other considerations were the $2 million on offer from the Queensland Government to construct a new Neighbourhood Centre on Council land, replacing the existing 105 Toolooa Street facility, and the need to develop more housing options at a time when the city is experiencing a low vacancy rate."
The site which was acquired from the Queensland Government in 2004 will retain a 9 hectare environmental conservation precinct.
"Property developers and economists would agree that Council is not achieving the greatest real estate yield from this key site, but we remain committed to the retention of some environmental values for the area given its history," Cr Brushe said.
