AFTER a series of botched attempts, the long-awaited proposed expansion of the commercial hub surrounding Salamander Bay Shopping Centre has come to light.
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While Port Stephens Council refuses to specify what the land would now be worth on the market, it is understood it will be well below the $26 million offer made by developer Tecan and Merc Pty Ltd in 2009 and the failed $22 million buyout by Nathan Tinkler three years later.
Mayor Bruce MacKenzie told the Examiner it was impossible to put a dollar value on the land.
"It's a matter of supply and demand; we have to look at what we will create there ... retail is a difficult business".
At the November 10 meeting, Port Stephens councillors voted to support the lodgement of a development application to subdivide the council land into seven lots.
They include four development-ready sites fronting Town Centre Circuit, Terminus Parade and Central Avenue, an infrastructure lot comprising stores, a new transport interchange and two residual lots.
Other infrastructure includes a newly built loop road, traffic lights and more car parking.
The plan, however, has been slammed by the Tomaree Residents and Ratepayers' Association for failing to act on planning principles put in place in 2012.
"We have identified three planning deficiencies in the proposal: a lack of public space such as a park or piazza; lack of pedestrian connection between the Rigby and main shopping centres; and the poor positioning of the transport interchange [near McDonald's]," said TRRA president Geoff Washington.
Cr John Morello described the outcome as "a reasonable solution to a long, drawn out problem" which would both ease the traffic congestion around the shopping centre and provide a more diverse range of retail outlets.
"The new loop road will provide a second access to the shopping centre off Bagnalls Beach Road and traffic lights at the notorious intersection of Bagnalls Beach Road and Town Centre Circuit.
"Proposed on the new road are a service station, medical centre and a fitness gym."
The council's property services section manager, Glenn Bunny said the proposal would enhance opportunities for businesses to move into the shopping precinct while improving traffic flow and access for public transport.
"Environmental issues including flora, fauna, geotechnical and stormwater addressed previously for the site will be reconsidered as part of the new DA process, and a traffic study has indicated no adverse impacts on traffic conditions.
"Council is aiming to lodge the DA before Christmas," he said.
