Nine cinemas are at the heart of a multi-million dollar entertainment and commercial hub proposed on vacant land near Kmart in Port Macquarie.
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The proposal, earmarked for the corner of Park and Warlters streets, includes nine cinemas, gymnasium, fun fair with indoor bowling alley, food and drink premises including two ground level drive-through facilities and retail tenancies.
The basement car park would have a car wash, 153 car spaces and 12 motor bike spaces.
A development application has been lodged with Port Macquarie-Hastings Council.
The proposal has an estimated construction cost of $34.7 million, according to the development application information.
A modern interpretation of an art deco-style building, over four levels excluding the basement, is proposed with a full architectural plan accompanying the development application.
There would be several entry points to the building.
Planet Warriewood/United Cinemas, a chain of cinemas owned and operated by the Mustaca family, is behind the proposal.
United Cinemas founder Roy Mustaca said they believed the development was very much needed.
“We believe that we can be of a service,” he said.
“We certainly choose where we can service well and we think Port Macquarie is one of the nicest places.”
He said the development would deliver one of the best cinemas in the world.
The complex would offer 1418 new cinema seats with one large cinema and eight smaller cinemas
The area’s projected growth was among the attractions to the developers.
The Settlement City precinct has evolved over recent years with millions of dollars injected into upgraded and new facilities.
A vision to turn a slice of then vacant land in Wartlers Street into a shopping hub became reality when Kmart opened in 2017 followed by surrounding specialty shops.
Other projects have included a makeover which transformed Shores Retail Centre into Baypark Plaza, renovations at Port Macquarie Panthers and The Westport Club, the Sails Resort Port Macquarie by Rydges refurbishment and Port Macquarie Marina’s stage one development.
Outdoor spaces have not missed out either.
Livvi’s Place at Westport Park offers an inclusive all-abilities play space, the Westport Park boat ramp has been upgraded and Westport Park section of the coastal walk has been improved.
The entertainment and commercial hub is the latest proposal in the area.
Mr Mustaca said he hoped nearby residents would not have any concerns about the proposed development.
“We are building something beautiful for them and it’s their cinema – it’s not ours,” he said.
Mr Mustaca said it was not just an entertainment precinct.
“It’s to give them a home away from home,” he said.
“If they have any concerns, they should speak up because I can personally reassure them they will love what they get.
“We are here to give the community the very best.”
The Mustaca family has 32 years’ experience in the cinema business with nine locations including one in China and more on the drawing board.
A traffic and parking assessment forms part of the lengthy development application.
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