Lapsed Development Approval No Barrier to Unique Coolum Project

Projects, Town Planning

When Coolum Beach Developments (CBD) acquired the lot at 2 Junction Drive, Coolum Beach, it came with a lapsed development application from the previous developer.

And while CBD had no intention of following the previously approved plans, they also wanted to progress the development as quickly as possible to reduce holding costs.

RG Strategic was retained as the town planner for the Coolum development and went to work reviewing the previous approval and new plans.

The new owner’s concept provided for a unique commercial development focusing on amenity and design.

They wanted to provide innovative and versatile workspaces married with a contemporary design style.

Using only 45% site coverage, CBD and architects Zest Design incorporated:

• Ten medium-sized warehouse units, all with mezzanine office spaces
• A “market shop” style unit with outdoor seating available
• A showroom with suspended slab mezzanine and complete street frontage; and
• A unique, industrial-style caretakers townhouse.

Sunshine Coast Regional Council (SCRC) had deemed that the approval had lapsed but the team at RG reviewed the progress that had taken place on the previous development application and noted that it was well-progressed. This allowed RG Strategic to make representations to SCRC to have the Change Application that was lodged to be accepted. The Change Application sought approval for just the new changes proposed by the CBD design. These changes included:

• Modifying two large tenancies to 11 mid-size tenancies including mezzanines
• New carpark and driveway layouts
• Improved architectural’s and design palette

Using the strategy developed by RG where the application was able to be assessed as a combined MCU and OPW Change application, CBD saved weeks if not months in approval delays and meant they could progress the development faster and reduce holding costs.

Perfectly positioned, the development is at the entry of an up and coming industrial estate, which provides excellent exposure and easy access to the estate’s water park, indoor skatepark and coffee roasters, plus it’s just moments from major arterial roads.

The Junction Coolum construction commenced in September, with Sunshine Coast award-winning commercial builders Build4U taking the reins delivering this project.

Construction includes:

The Units

• Medium-sized warehouse units
• Includes council approved mezzanine office spaces
• Ideal fit for tradies, small businesses or secure storage options

The Market Shop

• Great opportunity for a brewery
• Organic food market-style setup with outdoor seating area
• Off-street parking

The Showroom

• Partial suspended slab mezzanine
• Premium lot with complete street frontage
• Limited fit-out options available
• Off-street parking

The Caretaker

• Industrial style townhouse
• Private courtyard and balcony
• Off-street parking

Eliminate development delays

Talk to project town planners for RG Strategic today to ensure your development project progresses quickly, reducing costs and increasing your return on investment.