Real Estate
9 April, 2026
Twin towers
TWIN six-storey towers, which are above the norm, have been approved at Trinity Park.
Cairns Regional Council approved the 20m-high, 70-unit apartment block on Navigation Road and Reed Road at Trinity Park last week but not an adjoining separate proposed commercial shopping centre fronting Reed Rd. The decision was unanimous.
Deputy Mayor Brett Olds (Div. 9) told last week’s council meeting that he was confident it would go ahead.
“But the one thing I’m excited about with this development is it probably actually gets built,” he said.
“I’m pretty confident this one will get built. We give a lot of approvals and then they’ll just sit there for years and years and not happen.
“I actually think this is one that’s going to be viable, that’s much needed, and it’s actually going to happen.”
Cr Olds and Cr Matthew Tickner (Div. 2) urged the developer to retain the curves in the design.
“They’ve decided to be bold and look at a six-storey larger apartment complex. And I think they’ve done a great job,” Cr Tickner said.
“On my end, there is one thing I’d like to say to the developer, though, is make sure you keep the curves in your design. They look great. Make sure they stay in when you construct it, because they’re always the first thing to disappear and you lose that nice form of the building.”
Cr Rhonda Coghlan (Div, 8), who represents the area where the project is planned, said she was concerned that an apartment block was out of keeping with the area and she was troubled about traffic volumes.
“We are aware of the housing shortage, we’re all very aware of that, and on the Northern Beaches, that is also (the case), with the traditional quarter acre block and a four-bedroom home becoming increasingly unaffordable for many in this context,” she said.
“A proposal for 70 new homes located close to school, shops and public transport seems both practical and well considered.”
Cr Coghlan said she was pleased the council had set conditions to handle the extra traffic. The developer will need to upgrade nearby roads, including Derwent St and Reed Rd intersection, plus provide a dedicated left-turning lane.
A planners’ report supported the “well-designed” medium-density project, even though it did not adhere to current planning regulations.
“The two buildings present as visually interesting and well-articulated mid-rise development that seeks to make a different, but no less valuable, contribution to the residential character of the locality,” the council report stated.
“Whilst the proposed built form does not comply with that anticipated by the planning scheme, the development will provide variety and choice in available residential product, in a manner that does not result in adverse impacts to local residential character and amenity.”
The developer’s application said “Trinity Residence embraces the evolving urban fabric of Cairns, setting a new benchmark for contemporary tropical living in the Cairns Northern Beaches”.
“The development delivers a forward-thinking architectural response to the region’s growing population, distinctive climate and relaxed coastal lifestyle.”
