A SYDNEY developer has changed its building plans for Cairns CBD after noticing the shortage of commercial office space.

An apartment complex for 20-24 Sheridan St, proposed by Sandstone Constructions Pty Ltd, was approved back in November 2005.

Following approval by Cairns Regional Council earlier this month, Sandstone is expected to build a commercial centre
instead.

The new building, almost 47m high, is to have 11-storeys of commercial space plus three more levels for residential units.

There will be parking space in the basement, ground floor and the first and second levels.

Architect Carlo Amerio said the change was made due to the demand for commercial space.

But the building is unlikely to change greatly from the original plan.

"The building style and facade of the original plan have been maintained," Mr Amerio told Business Week.

"It is going to be a very green building and very efficient.

"People are going to be able to open up the balconies, which allows people to take advantage of the tropical environment.

"We want people to be able to have their lunch or informal meetings on the balconies."

The site is vacant land.

It is near Cairns Courthouse and in an area where there are already several high buildings such as Citi Central.

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