$1.2M unit complex proposal

• A map detailing the proposed twelve units parallel to the existing Eco-Centre building and former forestry workshop sheds. 

May 10, 2023

By Daisy Baker

A development application has been submitted to Council for the first stage of the Eco-Centre redevelopment, proposing 12 new shipping container units for 96 and 116 King Street in Scottsdale. 

In late 2021, the Moore family purchased the property which had previously been an interpretive tourism centre focussed on the local forestry industry, offices and a care organisation.

From the outset, the family has had a vision of providing more short- medium term accommodation for the region, easing the demand from local families, visitors and seasonal workers.

The proposal currently before Council is for six two-bedroom units and six one-bedroom units to be built parallel to the existing carpark.

With an estimated cost of $1,200,000, the residential dwellings could be used as short-term or long-term rentals.

16 additional car parking spaces would be constructed – one for each unit and four visitor spots, to complement the existing 33 car parking spaces.

Owner Glenn Moore said they plan to consolidate the two blocks into a one hectare block.

Last year Council approved plans to convert the sheds at the back of the main Eco-Centre structure into eight fully self-contained units and ten dorm-styled rooms with shared facilities. 

Mr Moore said subject to approval, the new units would take priority.

He said the iconic truncated cone, which is currently vacant, is the only building of its type to his knowledge in the southern hemisphere.

“We’re contemplating what to do with the former Eco Centre building and don’t have any firm plans yet,” Mr Moore said.

“We would accept suggestions from the community.”

The three elements of the redevelopment of the site will be completed in stages, pending appropriate approvals from Council.