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Things may be about to get a bit wet’n’wild in Townsville, with a $550-million integrated tourism and residential development proposed for a major highway intersection in the region.
Former rugby player turned developer Shaun McCarthy has lodged plans with the Townsville City Council for the Townsville Waterpark, Beach Club and Hotel project proposed for a 15ha site at the intersection of the Bruce and Flinders highways at Cluden, opposite Fairfield Central Shopping Centre.
The development would comprise a 3000-person waterpark, a 200-key hotel across 15 storeys, and 400 residential apartments plus retail in eight-storey buildings.
Other facilities include a 10,000sq m beach club with capacity for 5000 people, quick-service drive-through restaurants, a tavern, retail spaces and 900 undercover parking spaces.
McCarthy estimates the waterpark, beach club and hotel components would require a $250-million investment, and $300 million for the residential components.
“The development is a significant step for the people of Northern Queensland, particularly Townsville, who have often felt overlooked compared to the southern regions,” McCarthy said.
The project wuld be privately funded by unnamed southern investors.
The development application, prepared with CA Architects, includes detailed hydrological studies to address the flood-prone nature of the site.
The development footprint would be raised by 3m and supported by channels and a weir system, resulting in 110,000sq m of developable land.
“The facility would serve not just as a recreational facility but as a testament to the city’s commitment to leisure, entertainment, embracing its natural surroundings,” the architects said.
“Townsville’s thriving tourism industry and affluent demographic make it an ideal location to create a popular destination for both domestic and international travellers.
“Supported by residential units, a hotel, and large-format retail, the development is poised to become a central hub of activity, enriching Townsville’s waterfront and contributing to its dynamic social fabric while fostering community pride and belonging.”
The project is expected to generate 220 direct construction jobs, with 400 additional positions through the supply chain.
Once operational, the development will create about 715 permanent positions, including 500 direct roles.
The development application has been lodged, with McCarthy seeking to apply for a Plan of Development (PoD) to the site, “essentially a mini planning scheme that establishes the development intent for the site …supported by a Concept Master Plan”, he said.
McCarthy said he had spoken to Queensland Premier David Crisafulli, Opposition Deputy Leader Cameron Dick, Katter’s Australian Party, and government departments about the project.
Subject to approvals, the tender process would begin in 2025, with bulk earthworks scheduled after the wet season in April. Staged construction is planned to begin at that time and is expected to take about 2½ years.
McCarthy, a Zambrero franchise operator who has opened 56 restaurants in Queensland and 26 in Ireland, has worked on the project for more than three years in response to identified gaps in North Queensland’s recreational, tourism, events and leisure facilities.
The site’s proximity to army base Lavarack Barracks, Murray Sporting Complex, as well as hospital and university facilities, has been cited as strategically significant.
The development would operate year-round with heated water during winter.
The facility would incorporate solar energy and batteries, with potential access to the Cleveland Bay Recycled Water Treatment Facility, which is expected to be operational before the end of the year.
Townsville is among regional hotspots identified in the Regional Australia Institute’s Regional Movers Index June 2024 Quarter Report.
