Lowrise Shoptop Mooted for NSW Coastal Village

A long-derelict shop would give way to a lowrise block under a proposal for a popular coastal village on the NSW North Coast.

Plans now before the Richmond Valley Council propose a three-storey shoptop at Evans Head, about 120km south of the NSW-Queensland border

The plans, filed by surveyors Newton Denny Chapelle, detail a single ground-floor commercial space of 154sq m—indicated as a food and beverage outlet in renders—above 10 apartments on the first and second floors occupying 931sq m in a mix of one, two and three bedrooms.

The proposed building for the site at 17 McDonald Place would offer kerbside dining, and includes parking for 14 vehicles.

The estimated development cost, according to filed documents, is $4.9 million.

In its design statement, Evans Head-based Barker Architects said, “The form and materiality of the proposed building respectfully take into consideration its corner location in a focal point at the end of Woodburn Street by introducing a curving building form that draws architectural references from other prominent Art Deco buildings within the town centre such as the Illawong Hotel”.

“The sculptural qualities and strong horizontal line of the roof and deep awning establish a more dynamic landmark in response to the monolithic volume of the RSL,” it said.

“The mix of building materials including brick and concrete, offset by lightweight materials, provides a neutral and natural material palette in harmony with the proposal’s coastal setting, its sub-tropical climate, and the existing streetscape.” 

▲ A render of the proposal and the Illawong Hotel, Club Evans RSL, and Evans Head from the air.

Online records show the site was bought from Club Evans RSL by the developers, listed on documents as 17 The Evans Pty Ltd, in June, 2022 for $1.48 million.

According to ASIC records, Raymond Patrick George and Michael Barakat are the directors of 17 The Evans Pty Ltd.

Evans Head, with a population of about 3000, is a popular holiday destination that has, post-pandemic, seen a shift in population like many similar coastal villagers to more affluent retirees and downsizers, many from outside the immediate region.

Bordered by national parks on all sides, expansion of the township is limited, with the establishment of the Thyme Lifestyle Resort on the western side of the village the largest development in decades.

▲ The site, that includes an abandoned shop, was sold by the Club Evans RSL (at rear) for $1.48 million.