For more than 70 years, the Clarence River Fishermen's Co-op has been part of the town's heartbeat. A place of fresh catches, hot chips, and waterfront character - it's as local as the river itself. But, with the Co-op now planning a move to a modern new facility, this landmark site is ready for its next big chapter.
The Site:
• Address: 51–55 River Road, Maclean
• Land Area: 7,520m² of flood-free level ground
• Titles: Three (main factory, house, vacant lot)
• Zoning:
Factory site - Special Purpose (SP1)
House and vacant lot -Residential
• Bonus: Historic rights of use to a commercial wharf through Permissive Occupancy
Large riverfront parcels with direct water access are extremely rare, and this one sits proudly above Maclean's flood wall, offering peace of mind and long-term security.
Why Maclean, Why Now?
Maclean, once known as Yamba's quieter neighbour, is stepping into its own. As Yamba prices push higher, buyers are increasingly drawn to Maclean's riverside charm, heritage character, and walkable lifestyle - all just minutes from Yamba's famous beaches.
Right behind the Co-op, the new River Glen master-planned community is taking shape: 148 large residential lots, 7 duplex sites, and 22 elevated town-homes. This is set to inject new life and demand into this part of town.
Yet right now, the eastern entrance to Maclean has very few retail or service offerings. The Co-op's fish & chips and a small petrol station are all that's there. Opportunity is knocking.
The Opportunity:
This site is a blank canvas with character, history, and location on its side.
Think big:
• Boutique Apartments - Three levels of premium units overlooking the mighty Clarence. In Yamba, similar projects have proven extremely successful.
• Hospitality & Retail - A tavern, bistro, or specialty retail on the ground floor, perfectly positioned to serve the River Glen community behind.
• Revitalised Wharf Access - Imagine a wharf activated with dining, river ferries, or a bar - all adding value to the development above.
• Commercial or Mixed Use - Factory/office units or creative spaces, taking advantage of Maclean's growth and proximity to major centres.
And with surrounding homes dating back to the early 1900s, with many held in the same families for decades, there's long-term potential to expand and consolidate an even larger riverside precinct.
The Bottom Line:
Sites like this don't come around often. A rare mix of history, river frontage, flood-free land, and zoning flexibility, right at the gateway to Maclean from Yamba. With population growth on its doorstep, this is the moment to reimagine a local icon and make it work for the next 70 years.
There's a lot to discover here and lots of questions any developer will need answered in the DD process, so start by calling Wazza ...
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