By NIKKI TODD
A LUXURY new community for over fifties is beginning to take shape at Banora Point as Palm Lake Resort Tweed River rises out of the ashes of the controversial riverfront site.
Construction of the first stage of the development is well underway, with the first residents of the gated community already having moved in to their new home and several other houses nearing completion.
The development is now expected to be fast-tracked after Tweed Shire Councillors last week agreed to allow the developer to construct the resort’s relocatable homes on-site.
Previously the homes had been manufactured off-site at Chinderah and transferred via truck over the river, as required under planning legislation.
The 4.9ha picture-perfect site is positioned on the northern bank of the Tweed River, just to the east of Barneys Point Bridge.
The site had lain unused since 2007 after the closure of Banora Point Caravan Park amid a cloud of controversy which went all the way to the NSW Supreme Court.
It was later sold to Palm Lake Resorts, operated by Gold Coast-based company Walter Elliott Holdings Pty Ltd, which operates more than 20 manufactured home parks and retirement resorts across the eastern seaboard of Australia.
Boasting stunning views of the river – with pontoons, jetties and private marina berths providing easy access to the water – the new resort will soon be home to 110 relocatable homes.
Palm Lakes Resort Tweed River regional sales and marketing manager Marlene Cumming said the development had received strong interest from buyers, with stage one already half-sold.
“We’ve received very strong interest from local residents mainly but also a lot of people from Brisbane, south of Sydney, interstate and even one or two from New Zealand,’’ Ms Cumming said.
“This is a rare, unique site – there is no other site along this river building such a complex.
“There is a huge difference between us and other relocatable home sites; this is luxury living, it is taking us into the 21st century.’’
A riverbank boardwalk, which spans the length of the development, will be available for public use while water views and security are maintained via a glass-panel fence.
A two-storey clubhouse will make the most of the spectacular river view and offer everything from dining facilities to a dance room, cinema and a library and games area including a billiards table.
An outdoor barbecue and entertainment area will include a swimming pool and spa, while a fitness centre will boast a gym and sauna.
With prices starting in the $400,000 range, there are several house designs to choose from, with the low-set homes including solar panels, stone-top benches and timber flooring.
Visitwww.palmlakesresort.com.au or phone 07 5524 2527.
