This sleepy coastal town is facing a makeover, but some locals aren’t happy
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A sleepy coastal town is facing a major transformation, but not everyone is on board with the change.
What was once a hub for locals is now a shadow of its former self, with boarded-up shops and a crumbling facade.
As plans for a massive redevelopment unfold, tensions rise in the community.
Once a vibrant spot for locals, Tweed Heads Mall had fallen into a sorry state.
The area was characterised by faded signs, boarded-up shops, and graffiti tagging every corner.
Empty storefronts had been replaced with makeshift community libraries and scattered ‘Justice of the Peace’ spots, offering little more than plastic chairs and a few books.
The large sign for the mall had become nearly unreadable, and the entire exterior was showing significant signs of wear.
Despite this, a dramatic overhaul was in the works. A $900-million, decade-long redevelopment project was approved, promising to reshape the town into a bustling coastal hub.
The plans included 1400 townhouses and apartments, multiple supermarkets, a fresh food market, a 52-room hotel, office spaces, a medical centre, a cinema complex, a gym, and a childcare centre.
Elanor Investors Group, a Sydney-based real estate funds manager, was given the green light to carry out the project, with plans signed off by the council in December.
Mayor Chris Cherry had expressed that the town was ‘in need of some love’, acknowledging the deterioration of the area.
However, the redevelopment sparked fears among locals and business owners who worried about the toll it would take on their quiet community.
Michael Pedlow, owner of Loots Homewares for almost 20 years, feared the new development would strip the town of its easygoing vibe.
He noted: ‘It’s a real community feel here. You walk past and people wave at you here,’ but feared the new complex would bring chaos to Tweed Heads.
Pedlow also pointed out that rising costs meant many local businesses would struggle to stay afloat.
‘People can’t afford anymore hikes, let alone a big jump,’ he said.
Vinnie, who had run Harry’s Discount Variety for 20 years, expressed similar concerns, hinting he might close down.
With so many closed shops left vacant, he was skeptical about the mall’s future.
‘It’s just all pop-up shops now. We are not happy,’ he said, voicing his discontent with the lack of action to replace the empty spaces.
The potential influx of residents and tourists left many wondering if the town was equipped to handle the growth.
Parking was another concern, with only one road in and out, raising doubts about the development’s practicality.
Tweed Heads Arcade, just across the road, had also seen better days.
It was riddled with graffiti and numerous vacant shops, reflecting the state of the mall.
Despite the concerns, Mayor Cherry remained optimistic about the future of Tweed Heads.
She hoped the new development would attract younger people and tourists, revitalising the town without turning it into another Gold Coast.
She said: ‘The more people that we can get to turn right at (Gold Coast) airport the better,’ suggesting the development could become a key attraction.
Tweed Heads’ growth potential was undeniable, with property prices soaring in recent years.
The median house price had nearly doubled in the past five years, rising from $700,000 to $1.31 million.
While the redevelopment was still years away from completion, residents and business owners were divided over its impact, leaving many unsure about the future of their beloved town.
In a previous story, we discussed the growing impact of major developments on local communities.
As this transformation continues to unfold in Tweed Heads, the shift in public spaces and infrastructure raises similar concerns.
If you’re curious about how large-scale projects are reshaping your everyday life, be sure to check out how changes to the biggest free car park might affect you.
With such a dramatic change on the horizon, do you think Tweed Heads will lose its charm or thrive with the new development? Share your thoughts in the comments!
What was once a hub for locals is now a shadow of its former self, with boarded-up shops and a crumbling facade.
As plans for a massive redevelopment unfold, tensions rise in the community.
Once a vibrant spot for locals, Tweed Heads Mall had fallen into a sorry state.
The area was characterised by faded signs, boarded-up shops, and graffiti tagging every corner.
Empty storefronts had been replaced with makeshift community libraries and scattered ‘Justice of the Peace’ spots, offering little more than plastic chairs and a few books.
Once-thriving mall now a ghost town. Image source: News Corp Australia
The large sign for the mall had become nearly unreadable, and the entire exterior was showing significant signs of wear.
Despite this, a dramatic overhaul was in the works. A $900-million, decade-long redevelopment project was approved, promising to reshape the town into a bustling coastal hub.
The plans included 1400 townhouses and apartments, multiple supermarkets, a fresh food market, a 52-room hotel, office spaces, a medical centre, a cinema complex, a gym, and a childcare centre.
Elanor Investors Group, a Sydney-based real estate funds manager, was given the green light to carry out the project, with plans signed off by the council in December.
Mayor Chris Cherry had expressed that the town was ‘in need of some love’, acknowledging the deterioration of the area.
However, the redevelopment sparked fears among locals and business owners who worried about the toll it would take on their quiet community.
Michael Pedlow, owner of Loots Homewares for almost 20 years, feared the new development would strip the town of its easygoing vibe.
He noted: ‘It’s a real community feel here. You walk past and people wave at you here,’ but feared the new complex would bring chaos to Tweed Heads.
Pedlow also pointed out that rising costs meant many local businesses would struggle to stay afloat.
‘People can’t afford anymore hikes, let alone a big jump,’ he said.
Vinnie, who had run Harry’s Discount Variety for 20 years, expressed similar concerns, hinting he might close down.
With so many closed shops left vacant, he was skeptical about the mall’s future.
‘It’s just all pop-up shops now. We are not happy,’ he said, voicing his discontent with the lack of action to replace the empty spaces.
The potential influx of residents and tourists left many wondering if the town was equipped to handle the growth.
Parking was another concern, with only one road in and out, raising doubts about the development’s practicality.
Tweed Heads Arcade, just across the road, had also seen better days.
It was riddled with graffiti and numerous vacant shops, reflecting the state of the mall.
Despite the concerns, Mayor Cherry remained optimistic about the future of Tweed Heads.
She hoped the new development would attract younger people and tourists, revitalising the town without turning it into another Gold Coast.
She said: ‘The more people that we can get to turn right at (Gold Coast) airport the better,’ suggesting the development could become a key attraction.
Tweed Heads’ growth potential was undeniable, with property prices soaring in recent years.
The median house price had nearly doubled in the past five years, rising from $700,000 to $1.31 million.
While the redevelopment was still years away from completion, residents and business owners were divided over its impact, leaving many unsure about the future of their beloved town.
In a previous story, we discussed the growing impact of major developments on local communities.
As this transformation continues to unfold in Tweed Heads, the shift in public spaces and infrastructure raises similar concerns.
If you’re curious about how large-scale projects are reshaping your everyday life, be sure to check out how changes to the biggest free car park might affect you.
With such a dramatic change on the horizon, do you think Tweed Heads will lose its charm or thrive with the new development? Share your thoughts in the comments!
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