The land, behind the ‘Whales Tail’ and bound to the east by the North Coast rail line, is currently listed for sale by expressions of interest through Colliers International.

It is being sold by Rail Corp.

For decades the vacant land has been a defacto, but unofficial, car park for Jetty Strip diners and people going to the Jetty markets.

Over the summer months it’s not unusual for the ‘car park’ to be full to capacity on weekend nights or Sundays. Even on weekdays it’s not unusual for up to 20 vehicles to be parked on the block.

Sales agent Michael Ball has just started marketing the land and thinks there is a good chance it will sell.

“The vendor is very committed to a sale, and I believe the time is right for someone to purchase one of the last remaining development sites in the city,” Michael said.

The site covers 5099m2 and is zoned both 3G and 5A, which he said allowed for a mix of commercial, retail and residential development to a height of 10m.

Michael said the sale would test the market for commercial land in the city.

“It will also be something of an indicator of the level of confidence in the future of Coffs Harbour,” Michael said.

“Given the size of the parcel of land and its prime location I expect there will be considerable interest from mainly city-based developers.

“I’m not ruling out a sale to a local developer, but I think it will more than likely be sold to a development company from out of town.”

One local buyer could be Coffs Harbour City Council.

A spokesperson said council had previously written to Rail Corp to register its interest in acquiring the land.

The spokesperson did not say whether it will lodge a formal expression of interest through Colliers International now that it is marketing the land.

If the land sells to a developer, council will be faced with the challenge of finding alternative nearby parking or run the risk of the Jetty Strip being rendered inaccessible to those drivers and passengers who keep its restaurants and retail outlets busy and viable.

Expressions of interest in the block of land close on December 10. For details contact Colliers International, phone 6659 9888.