MACKAY residents will soon be able to work, live and play along the riverfront, as local business leaders lay out their waterfront development dreams.

Renew Mackay was one of two successful applicants selected by Mackay Regional Council for a short list of developments for the Waterfront Priority Development Area.

The Renew Mackay plans included a range of developments across multiple River St properties, including luxury residential properties, retired living, commercial offices and tourism opportunities.

The business entity, which was only formed in August, was the brainchild of two Mackay companies, Woollam Constructions and Holistic Property Group.

Renew Mackay director Sean Kelly said the development would expand over both council-owned and land held by Holistic Properties.

"What we wanted to really do was both activate the waterfront but also revitalise the CBD," Mr Kelly said.

"We all know the CBD currently has a lot of missing teeth.

"In our proposal one plus one equals three of four."

Mr Kelly said the designs would ensure access to the river would be kept for future generations, while maximising public access to the natural asset.

Woollam Construction managing director Craig Percival said the expansive development would become part of the everyday life of Mackay residents.

"One of the principles was 'how can we spend a weekend on the river?'" Mr Percival said.

"How the Mackay community can get the best use out of those two sites."

Mr Percival said commercial spaces, including a cafe at 8 River St, would allow residents to fall back in love with the river.

"It's where early morning joggers can stop, get coffees and enjoy the river," he said.

"And the option for a wine in the afternoon."

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Mr Percival said the space would also have bike hire and boat hire facilities, and a decking system would maximise the public space accessible to the Mackay community.

Mr Percival said of the mixed developments, what he was most passionate about was the specialised living spaces for independent seniors.

"We believe Mackay deserves these new styles of accommodation for our seniors," he said.

"It's giving people options for lifestyle living."

Mr Percival said these plans were in motion well before the expressions of interest opened in June.

Mr Kelly said a Brisbane-based architect and designer, Justin O'Neill, had already signed up to the project, with another five consultants on board.

"There will end up being a cast of thousand involved," Mr Kelly said.

"We intend to engage local skills, trades and suppliers."

The other successful tenderer, Brisbane-based Sentinel Group Holdings were chosen as the preferred tenders for the Wood St and Gregory St properties.

Sentinel Property Group chief executive officer Stacey Jones said the developments would include a 100-room four-and a half star hotel overlooking the river.

"Bringing something new to the town, a bit more of a high end," Ms Jones said.

Ms Jones said the business travellers and residents alike could enjoy cafes and restaurant spaces.

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Ms Jones said the development would include a four level office building, also with space for retail tenants.

Ms Jones said the former Retravision at 12-18 Wood St property would be demolished to make way for a 80-space car park.

She said the Brisbane developers were big believers in the region, owning 15 properties in Mackay.