General News
17 December, 2025
High rise set to raise CBD investment
FOUR and five-storey buildings will rise over Atherton’s CBD after Tablelands Regional Council approved a Material Change of Use application that will open the door to new commercial investment in the town centre.
The council commissioned consultants to prepare a development application for seven lots in the CBD, owned by the council, which wants them developed to raise revenue as part of a plan to fund the new Priors Creek recreation area.
Mayor Rod Marti confirmed last year that the council would not borrow money for the Prior’s Creek redevelopment after questions were asked as to why Stage 2 was going ahead without selling the freeholds lots as previously planned.
“We absolutely need to get this done – I don’t believe we are between a rock and hard place – this is our project, we allocated the money for it, we’ve got significant grants, we have serious interest in the freehold lots which is fantastic, we just need to get on with it,” he said at the time.
Council’s tick of approval to allow buildings of four or five storeys in the CBD area may finally attract the investment the council has been seeking.
According to the council report, the approval would allow for commercial development opportunities for food and drink outlets and short-stay accommodation and units which “will help meet the demand in the region, support population attraction and retention, and provide high-quality tourism accommodation”.
“The change allows for a mix of uses including hospitality, retail, commercial services, tourism accommodation and short-stay living options,” the report stated.
“By enabling more activity and foot traffic in the CBD, the decision supports surrounding businesses and strengthens the local economy.”
Mayor Marti was pleased the application was successful.
“We want to attract the right investment into Atherton, and these sites are ideally positioned to activate our prime public spaces and complement and enhance the existing business district,” he said after the November meeting.
“Allowing well-designed buildings of up to five storeys in the lowest area at Priors Creek Parkland, and up to four storeys in higher elevations at Mabel Street, makes attractive return on investment feasible and gives investors more options, more certainty, and helps us create a more vibrant, active and attractive CBD.
“This is about modernising and making the most of our town centre.
“Strategic commercial infill brings more people into the heart of Atherton, supports small business, and ensures the public spaces and pathways we are creating at Priors Creek are surrounded by quality development.”
The application will now progress through the next stages of the development assessment process as required under the Planning Act.
