Business
8 March, 2024
Gold-plating CBD
CONSTRUCTION of an $80 million luxurious apartment tower in the centre of Cairns is scheduled to start in the first half of next year.
Cairns Regional Council unanimously approved the development application submitted by developer Alex Sekler for the revitalisation of the historic Cairns Post building as part of a 75-residential apartment project at its Wednesday meeting.
The 13-storey building in Abbott St encompasses the former newspaper building with 15 one-bedroom, 44 two-bedroom and 16 three-bedroom apartments as well as a pool, gym, a food and drink outlet and shops.
Detailed design is expected to start in the third quarter of this year. Mr Sekler spent nearly $7.5m buying the Post building as well as several other adjacent properties for the residential tower.
“I am very pleased with the council’s approval and look forward to delivering this project for the community,” he said.
“The Cairns Post Residences will honour the building’s rich history while offering residents a unique blend of historical charm and contemporary amenities.
“The project will be the first in the CBD skyline capturing the transformation Cairns is experiencing on the back of heightened demand to live in the region.”
Mr Sekler said the proposed Cairns Post Residences project would maintain the architectural integrity of the former newspaper building, which had been a prominent part of the city’s building fabric for over a century.
He said the project would also include public spaces, such as a landscaped courtyard and retail outlets.
Cr Amy Eden, whose division includes Abbott St, told the council meeting it was “monumental” and would boost residential living in the CBD.
She said it was designed by world class Hunt Design and would retain the building’s iconic pillars.
Cr Eden said it was a vital part of the council’s desire to encourage more people living in the CBD and would “inject cash into the building industry and breathe confidence into the city”. Deputy mayor Brett Moller said it was exactly what the city needed to provide “infill development” in the CBD, it embraced council’s tropical urbanism design and would encourage other developers to do the same in the city’s heart.
Cr Cathy Zeiger said she hoped it would be the “catalyst” for more residential projects in the CBD, while Cr Brett Olds said it was “exactly what we wanted”.
Cr Rob Pyne abstained from voting. He said the development application should be considered by the new council after the March 16 elections, not one at their last meeting of the current term.
