Business
7 October, 2024
New housing launch
A PURPOSE-BUILT accommodation precinct was officially launched at the Cairns Airport last week, promising construction of 183 self-contained units and amenities to begin over the coming months.
The $60 million “SkyHaven” Serviced Apartments project is being developed on 10,046m2 of land within the airport’s business precinct and is aimed at addressing the region’s critical shortage of quality, short-term accommodation.
Leading Cairns-based property developer MiHaven, through its subsidiary Tropical Airport Accommodation Pty Ltd (TAA), secured a long-term lease from Cairns Airport to develop the precinct, which will cater to a range of industry and community requirements, including much-needed accommodation for skilled workers.
Stages 1 and 2 will include construction of 183 self-contained units, as well as amenities such as meeting and conference spaces, a café, two swimming pools and outdoor entertainment areas.
Stage 3 is earmarked for over 200 student accommodation beds, servicing the needs of Cairns Queensland University’s airport-based pilot training school and Aviation Australia’s aviation engineering school, also based at Cairns Airport.
Cairns Airport Chief Executive Officer Richard Barker said the project will help local industries grow their operations, and strengthen the capabilities of key community providers, such as health services.
“We have heard from various organisations and sectors that there is a desperate need for more short-term worker accommodation in our region. This precinct has been strategically planned to assist businesses across Tropical North Queensland, including those based at Cairns Airport,” he said.
The first stages are expected to be complete in 2026. Mihaven directors James and Sarah Mort attended the launch and were delighted to have the chance to develop a “truly Cairns-based project.”
“All consultants and contractors are being deployed locally from Cairns, it is Cairns through and through and is directly investing more than $60 million into our economy,” Mr Mort said.
“We have received overwhelming response to date, even before we could make this project public,” he said.
