Atherton is Open For Business with New CBD Development Opportunities

Tablelands Regional Council has approved a Material Change of Use application that will open the door to new commercial investment in the Atherton CBD. The change allows for a mix of uses including hospitality, retail, commercial services, tourism accommodation and short-stay living options. By enabling more activity and foot traffic in the CBD, the decision supports surrounding businesses and strengthens the local economy.

The decision supports Council’s commitment to being open for business, responsive to industry needs, and encouraging high-quality development in the town centre.

Mayor Rod Marti said the decision creates a clear pathway for strategic commercial infill development in key CBD locations.

The proposal applies only to Council-owned land and does not include any privately owned properties.

The change relates to seven Council-owned lots across the Priors Creek precinct and the Mabel Street locality, as shown below.

‘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,’ Mayor Marti said.

‘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,’ said Mayor Marti.

‘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.