Planet Warriewood/United Cinemas founder Roy Mustaca says he remains confident of building the planned $31.6m entertainment and commercial hub in Port Macquarie.
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Representatives from the cinema giant met with Port Macquarie-Hastings Council on Thursday November 12 to discuss the two main sticking points to the project: parking and access.
The Northern Regional Planning Panel rejected the DA following a teleconference hearing on November 5. Council had also recommended against consent for the project.
Panel chair Paul Mitchell said it had refused the application on four grounds - the proposed onsite parking is not sufficient; the proposed arrangements for supplementary car parking are unsatisfactory; the aspects of the proposed access arrangements are unsatisfactory; and the panel considers the proposal is an overdevelopment of the site.
Despite that setback, Mr Mustaca remains confident the project will get off the ground.
"We have some work to do before coming back to council for it to be fully addressed," he said.
"It is now in the hands of the architects and engineers.
"The talks with council were positive.
The talks with council were positive.
- Roy Mustaca
"We are working on an additional basement (for car parking), but we really need to see how that will be achieved."
The company will use its past experiences to achieve a result, he said.
"We remain committed to Port Macquarie," he added.
Mr Mustaca said a completed cinema complex in Port Macquarie would "be something beautiful, like we have done at our other sites".
"I believe everyone will be very happy with the finished product.
"I also think that concerned neighbours will be pleasantly surprised by what this project will bring to the area and the jobs it will create.
"And they will love being able to talk to do it.
"Where we have had resistance (to other projects), now the locals call it "their theatre"."
Mr Mustaca said he was wiling to continue to work with the community and neighbours.
United Cinemas has altered its DA on several occasions which is testimony to their commitment to the Port Macquarie community, Mr Mustaca said.
"We just want the community and council to see how good our offer is," he said.
"But I don't believe the minority should win. At the end of the day this is a wonderful project.
"Imagine having somewhere to go with the family for a special occasion.
"We will be creating a beautiful atmosphere," he said.
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