Whitsunday Regional Council have granted preliminary approval to the resort complex proposed for the Port of Airlie.
The complex, submitted by Meridien, detailed in their preliminary approval application, has specified 102 units of accommodation, primarily suited for family units, tours groups and sporting teams, with rooms for four or eight occupants in each.
Included in the proposed development is also a restaurant with waterfront terrace dining, a dive school and training pool, a bar with waterfront terrace, a waterfront lounge and function centre, a swimming pool, games room, communal laundry and kitchen, and a gym.
The proposed structure is made up of a four-storey building, with a maximum height of 18.8 metres at its highest points, and includes five flexible, non-traditional accommodation types.
Capable of accommodating up to 454 guests, the development’s preliminary approval means it can move forward with creating more detailed designs of the complex, which is set to be brought to Council to approve before construction can formally begin.
Council has previously entered an infrastructure agreement with the applicant, with the provision of constructing an additional 50 car parking spaces, on top of the already proposed 54 car spaces and two mini-bus spaces.
The complex plans must be resubmitted to council once more solidified plans are drawn up, for Council’s permission.
This complex is proposed to be constructed to the right of the Port of Airlie, on the vacant plot of land to the right of the Cruise Whitsundays Terminal.
Please note, this complex is unrelated to the high-rise complex that was approved by Council in 2021, which subsequently went to the Planning and Environments Court in an appeal launched by the group Save Our Foreshore.
This approved resort is planned to be 47.7 metres tall.
The Planning and Environment Court ruled in Council’s favour, and the complex is legally allowed to begin, however the applicant body, Meridien is currently in receivership.
Architect’s depiction of the exterior of the new complex. Images: Application Documents
