October 17, 2014
One of Kingaroy’s prime pieces of real estate is almost ready to go on the market.
The rehabilitation of the former works depot in Pound Street, Kingaroy, has been a long process but the word from the South Burnett Regional Council is that the site just has to pass one more test to satisfy the State Government that the land has been successfully decontaminated.
The South Burnett Regional Council commissioned major earthworks on the site over the past 12 months to remove restrictions on its future use.
This included the removal of arsenic from an old cattle dip area, diesel-affected soil and a network of asbestos pipes.
The site extends from Pound Street through to main street frontage along Kingaroy Street, which makes the site very attractive for a major development.
There’s been hundreds of rumours over the years about potential “sales” of the land, from everything from an aged people’s residential area to a Coles Supermarket complex or a “Jack The Slasher”-type no frills store.
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southburnett.com.au recently asked readers on our Facebook page what they would like to see on the site.
The businesses most commonly mentioned were:
Kmart (65 votes)
Spotlight (16 votes)
Coles (13 votes)
Hungry Jacks (7 votes)
Bunnings (3 votes)
IKEA (1 vote)
Sizzler (1 vote)
Also popular was the idea for a retirement village or “lifestyle development”, for example:
An integrated life stage complex that improves the aesthetics, liveability and community for both local and potential new residents from retirement through to the stage where they need higher care – not another separate shopping centre that further detracts from the towns increasingly sparse CBD. This spot has perfect links to open space, walkways, SB Care, shopping variety. It has got “make me a landmark” written all over it, it could contain multiple options for lifestyle, entertainment and well being – something that says to resident’s and visitors, Kingaroy is a regional centre in the making!
Would be awesome if it was retirement villas. 1 to 2 bedroom. Stone throw from senior citizens. Great track to RSL & Supa IGA. Also the park between “Retirement Villas” Would be awesome for “Dry Land Botanical Gardens”, with a water fountain in pond! Love the ducks there!
Other popular suggestions were:
Farmers Market!!!!! Fresh Home Grown Food….
Parklands
Some kind of entertainment and performing arts centre
Some other ideas:
Ice Skating Rink
Something for the kids to do… there is nothing here for them will get them off the streets
A few different things: Spotlight, KMart, a farmers and artist market, a proper PCYC where you can have rock climbing walls, pool tables, activities for young children, rollerskating rink, a proper deli. These are just a few things I think this town needs
Community centre
Hockey field
Big leisure centre, gym, creche, vacation care, indoor sports etc
Personally I think the question should be asked what projects could be done with the proceeds of the sale. A major revamp of the CBD is an option that I’ve had people give the most favourable feedback on.
With a $20+ million Kingaroy infrastructure debt, any money made from the sale of land should go to reducing that debt.
Jack Black A very good suggestion. Rate payers need to be aware any decision Council make. Leads to rate payer debt, and we will be the ones to pay and pay again.