State Government approves Ballina’s Gateway project
NSW Planning Minister Frank Sartor today announced approval for the major hotel, retail and residential development in Ballina town centre, known as Gateway, following what he said was an extensive consultation process involving Ballina Shire Council and the general public.
Mr Sartor said the $70 million Ballina Gateway project would deliver new public foreshore open space and generate up to 50 construction jobs and 20 operational jobs.
“We have worked closely with the proponent, Ballina Shire Council and the community to ensure this development is well-designed and delivers tangible public benefits,” Mr Sartor said.
“The end result achieves a significant reduction in the overall bulk, scale and height of the development.”
Major changes to the proposal, which is backed by the Mills family of Ballina, include:
A substantial reduction in the height of a number of the buildings, of up to two storeys;
Cutting back the height of buildings fronting River Street to between three and four storeys, less than current height controls;
Increasing setbacks from the Richmond River by a further 11 metres to open up the waterfront area for public access, and widen a public foreshore walkway from three metres to 18 metres.
Mr Sartor said given the modifications, he did not believe the approval of one six-storey building, which exceeds the existing height limit, would create a precedent for Ballina.
“The approval is subject to more than 100 conditions, including $1.1 million contribution towards local infrastructure and community facilities, and $220,000 to upgrade the intersection of River and Kerr streets with the Pacific Highway.”
The developer is also required to dedicate 1444 square metres of foreshore open space to council, a substantial increase on the original proposal of 860 square metres, Mr Sartor said.
The project involves construction of an 84-room hotel, 85 residential apartments, an amenities building with a pool and gym, underground car park and 1200 square metres of ground floor retail space, including a waterfront cafe.
The development site is currently home to the single-storey Blue Room Restaurant and function venue, Sundowner Motel, retail shops and two residential dwellings.
June 28th, 2007 at 9:22 pm
l think its a great idea, some off the buildings that will be replaced are a little dated and would be nice to have a complete river view of our beautiful water ways, from the river and streets!
July 2nd, 2007 at 11:25 pm
Look out Gold Coast here we come!!!
As if this will not create a precedent for more 6 storey buildings - hello!
Progress is progress however and was always inevitable that Ballina would continue to grow and further its attraction as a tourist location. Long gone is the small fishing village with affordable housing for the average wage earner.
June 5th, 2008 at 9:30 pm
Well we can see why the “so called PROPOSED” lights at the cnr of kerr and river streets will go ahead. With a project of this size given the go ahead, ($220 000 towards road upgrade) against what even the local Ballina Council voted, how can local business owners compete. The State council needs to stay out of local councils and start listening more to its local people. Lights are not necessary and this project shouldn’t of been given the go ahead.