Changes to proposed esplanade project
Development
The developer of the proposed and controversial $60 million project overlooking Four Mile Beach Esplanade, said today changes would be made to the original proposal.
“We are looking at changes and want a great outcome for Port Douglas,” said Tim Gurner.
And in an e-mail to a member of the ‘ProtectOurParadise’ group – the community organisation which has raised concerns about the development – Alexander Fin, Gurner Design Director, said their proposal is currently being reviewed by council.
“We are in the midst of reviewing this with council planners and expect that wholesale changes to the proposal will be required to address council and community feedback.
“I will reach out when we have completed these studies and this could end up being a different proposal to what you may have seen,” said Fin.
A POP spokesperson said they welcome the news and look forward to the new design given it does not impact Jalun Park as is within the town plan.
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In December last year, Douglas Shire Council confirmed that multi-billion-dollar property developer, Tim Gurner, had submitted an application for a $60 million ‘mixed use’ development on the 69-73 Murphy Street site in Port Douglas.
In challenging Gurner’s renderings, Protect Our Paradise (POP) recently commissioned an architectural expert to create ‘accurate’ renderings showing what the proposed Gurner development on Flagstaff Hill will look like after construction.
These renderings are available for public viewing on www.protectourparadise.com.au
Gurner’s renderings can be seen here.
Gurner added that the renderings presented (by POP’s architect) have been tested and are significantly inaccurate.
“I believe it is dangerous for people without the full site details to work up such things. Ours have been put together with a surveyor and experts and are accurate.
"We still believe that this development is very important for the future of Port Douglas that is missing quality hotel accommodation and I think it is very disappointing that neighbours with a conflict of interest seem to be having such a material impact on Council when a lot of other locals are very supportive.
"We will always work with objectors to find a good solution and are waiting for them to come back to us with a time to meet,” said Gurner.
In terms of the Council’s planning department commenting on the renderings, a Council spokesman said: "It would be inappropriate for Council to comment on a rendering provided by a third-party about a development application.”
These renderings are created from the specifications contained within the Development Application submitted by Gurner to Douglas Shire Council.
“Our concerns are not simply with the dominant visual impact or the removal of the remaining areas of vegetation and wildlife on the northern Four Mile Beach Esplanade.
“Of equal concern is that Mr Gurner has chosen to make the Esplanade Park (Jalun) the entry way into his resort. This involves widening the existing road and the creation of an additional road in what is simply a small community park,” according to the POP website.
Over 1200 people in the Douglas Shire have registered their opposition to the proposed Gurner development in the Four Mile Beach Esplanade.
Protect Our Paradise states on its website that opposition continues to grow as the community becomes increasingly aware of the following concerns:
- The Gurner development does not comply with the Douglas Planning Scheme. It is more than twice the permitted size, twice the allowable density, and allows little or no setbacks.
- It sets a dangerous precedent for high rise building of the same scale and density to be built throughout the Shire. If this development is approved, other developers are going to want to build the same.
- It involves not only building on freehold land but also on community park land in one of the Shire’s most iconic locations – Four Mile Beach Esplanade, Jalun Park.
- Gurner, who has labelled this his ‘love project’, said in March this year he was proceeding with the project and excited with what will be created for Port Douglas.
Once the necessary approvals have been made, the Melbourne-based Gurner will use this development to continue its diversification into the ultra-high-end wellness, tourism and hotel space for a boutique ultra-luxury wellness, hotel and private residences retreat in Port Douglas situated on 2833sqm of beachfront land.
Once complete the site is set to feature 16 ultra-luxury private residences and a further 18 boutique hotel rooms.
Among its ideals, Protect Our Paradise believes that all development should comply with the Douglas Planning Scheme to preserve the village signature. Protecting the essential appeal of Douglas Shire is enshrined in clearly specified codes in the Douglas Planning Scheme. They believe that any development that does not comply with these traditional codes, is not a responsible development for the Shire.