New owner for Mango Jam

Forty years ago, the Mango Jam property on 24 Macrossan Street was sold for $37,000. Now fast forward and learn that it was recently purchased for $2million.

And for Raine and Horne director/licensee, David Cotton, it was a case of being patient in the four years it was on the market.

"We did have a few offers and I always knew we would find a buyer. We put in lots of time and effort and I am delighted it's been sold," said Cotton.

Cotton believes this is a significant boost for Port Douglas, coming at a time when tourism has felt the major brunt of the pandemic.

According to Cotton, it was originally purchased in 1981 for $37,000.

“Then the building was built in 1990 as a furniture store for Narelle and Warren Wearne, who later changed it into Mango Jam as we know it. The business was sold several times before closing its doors several years ago,” he said.

The buyer is South Australian Sam Gadaleta, owner of Gadaleta Steel Fabrication, who plans to develop three high-end shops.

Gadaleta said today that he chose Port Douglas “because it’s a great destination and a beautiful part of Australia.”

Although he could not expand, he said the three shops would all be retail.

In what is the first development in the town in 20 years, Gadaleta said once all the approvals are in place, they aim to get started immediately.

ANOTHER OBSTACLE FOR ESPLANADE DEVELOPMENT

Meanwhile, there is another obstacle facing Tim Gurner’s $60 million ‘mixed use’ development on the 69-73 Murphy Street site overlooking the Esplanade.

At the most recent Open Council meeting, Cr Abigail Noli, in a notice of motion, moved to repeal a decision (of December 15 2020) for application for permanent road closure over Esplanade adjacent to lot 2.

Gurner has sought Douglas Shire Council’s support for a road closure application. At the December meeting, it received unanimous support.

In an about face, it was voted 3-2 to amend the motion. It resolved that Council immediately advise the Department of Natural Resources Mines & Energy (DNRME) that Council is not supportive of the road closure; and when DNRME formally seeks views from Council and the public, as outlined in the 15 December 2020 report, Council will provide objections to the proposed road closure.

Councillors Lisa Scomazzon, Noli and Roy Zammataro voted in favour of amending the original motion; with Mayor Michael Kerr and Peter McKeown against. Council voted unanimously to endorse the December 15 2020 motion.  

In the minutes from the December 15 2020 meeting, Council was advised that it had received an application from the owner of Lot 2 adjacent to the esplanade in Port Douglas; with a proposal to permanently close the road reserve (Esplanade) situated adjacent to their property for development purposes.

This project has been challenged in some circles of the community; none more so than a vocal group of residents who oppose the development and have created a website ‘protectourparadise’ to air their disapproval.

Earlier this year, the group sent a letter to Gurner and posted it on social media. They cited “the way in which he had chosen to bring his brand into Port Douglas is in our opinion damaging on many levels.”

The proposed development will feature 16 ultra-luxury private residences and a further 18 boutique hotel rooms. The hotel will also be home to a new iconic restaurant and cocktail bar.