Plans filed for new Mooloolaba Hotel at the Brisbane Road Carpark Site

Posted on 01 Oct 2021 | Source: The Urban Developer | Author: Renee McKeown

Toowoomba’s Wagner family is behind plans to build a new hotel in Mooloolaba next to an eight-storey car park.

Plans for the development have been lodged with the Sunshine Coast Regional Council.

Kenneth Wagner is planning a 182-room hotel, with a three-level podium with ground level commercial tenancies, and two levels of car and bicycle parking spaces.

Mode Design created the plans for an 13-storey tower on the corner block at 10-16 Brisbane Road and 7-9 First Avenue, Mooloolaba.

Wagner purchased the 2998sq m property in mid 2020, two years after the council decided to split the car park into two lots and create more paid parking in the area at a cost of $23.5 million. The site was valued at $8.4 million in 2018 and revalued prior to sale.

Minor Hotel Group are expected to operate the building and have a long-standing relationship with the developer, who also created the Oaks Toowoomba.

Looking down Brisbane Road, Mooloolaba from the beach towards the new 13 storey hotel development by Wagner.

▲ Landscape designs on hotel development on Brisbane Road, Mooloolaba were designed by Project Urban.

The plans are likely to receive approval with the council stating construction was expected to start in mid 2022 and be open in late 2023.

The design of the building is focused on the corner closest to the esplanade creating a “line edge curve” according to the architects.

“As a landmark corner site, the overarching design philosophy is to create a unique and memorable addition to the built environment of Mooloolaba,” the application said.

“The north-east corner of the site can be seen from the Mooloolaba Esplanade and demands a strong design response to entice people down from the foreshore.”

The region has undergone massive redevelopment with the Sunshine Coast approving $1.9 billion in developments in the 2021 financial year with 18,500 applications lodged.

Nearby at 1 The Esplanade, Aria Property Group have 2019 approved plans for another Mooloolaba hotel development which was recently redesigned.

Three images depicting he carpark was split into two sites, an eight-storey carpark and the the proposed hotel development in Mooloolaba.

▲ The carpark was split into two sites, one for the eight-storey carpark and the other for the proposed hotel development.

The Wagner Corporation owns Wellcamp Airport in Toowoomba and recently Kenneth’s uncle and corporation chairman John Wagner unveiled three sets of plans for the area.

The first was a $230-million motorsport and arts centre in October 2020 and last month the corporation was working with the state government to build a regional quarantine facility.

This week it was announced a deal with US-based aviation giant Boeing for a facility to be built on surrounding land.

Brisbane Road Car Park Redevelopment

17 May 2021 | Source: Sunshine Coast Council

Council opened the new ParknGo Mooloolaba Central eight-storey car park Wednesday 23 December 2020.

With 700 parking spaces, 13 parking spaces for People with Disability (PWD), 54 motorcycle spaces and 50 bicycle spaces the car park will make it easier for the people driving to Mooloolaba to park close to the beach, foreshore, shops, cafes and restaurants.

The multi-deck car park is expected to be completed in early 2021 (weather and site conditions permitting).

For more information about parking visit the ParknGo website.

Latest Project News[511KB]

Background

In May 2019, council entered into a contract with Evans Built Pty Ltd., a locally owned and operated business, to design and construct the multi-deck car park on the parcel of land facing Smith Street and First Avenue.

Project benefits

More parking in Mooloolaba has been identified as a high priority to benefit residents, visitors and businesses.

The natural assets and vibrant shops, cafes and restaurants that continue to attract people to Mooloolaba will be enhanced by increased accessibility to the heart of Mooloolaba.

In addition to increased parking, the ground floor includes space for ground floor commercial tenancies to further support the economic development of Mooloolaba.

The mixed-use tenancies facing First Avenue will create an activated street frontage, enhancing and complementing the existing laneway community.

About the design

The design of the new multi-deck car park draws inspiration from the natural environment and incorporates local references of the Mooloolaba area.

The play of light and shadow on the building as well as subtle colour changes echo the flow and movement of water in the nearby rivers and ocean. Vertical elements in the surrounding screen hint at mooring posts for boats. Water references form a key element of the overall design connecting the built structure to Mooloolaba’s sense of place and coastal character.

Wayfinding signage in and around the car park will help residents and visitors to navigate the area. Well-lit spaces and clear sight lines throughout the car park aim to increase safety and create an active space.

Artists impressions:

Community engagement

An extensive community engagement process was undertaken during the development of the Placemaking Mooloolaba Master Plan which was adopted by council in December 2015.

Improving car parking in Mooloolaba was one of the strongest and most consistent themes and the new car park helps meet that need.

Most recently, the project team conducted a series of community engagement meetings with residents and businesses of Mooloolaba.

Council will continue to keep the community informed throughout the project via newsletters, construction notifications, online updates, liaison with local business and community organisations, and face to face meetings with adjacent businesses

Register to receive construction updates

To receive regular project updates throughout the construction period, please register by emailing your contact details to [email protected]

Changes to traffic conditions and car parking during construction

Car parking

Council provides a range of free on-street and off-street parking throughout Mooloolaba including:

Temporary Mooloolaba Beach car park – reduced parking available
Beach Terrace car park – 96 parking spaces
Club Lane car park – 19 parking spaces and 8 Surf Life Saving only parking spaces
The Wharf car park – 427 parking spaces
Incana Court car park – 110 parking spaces. Construction personnel will be encouraged to park in the Incana Court car park, ensuring the maximum number of parking bays remain available in the heart of Mooloolaba.

On-street parking is also available at various locations throughout Mooloolaba.

For more details about parking in Mooloolaba, download the Mooloolaba Parking Area Map[3782KB]

Changes to traffic conditions

Council will make every effort to minimise impacts to road users and the local community during construction however this is a major construction project and some inconvenience is to be expected.

At various times throughout the project, the public may experience:
Changes to traffic conditions – reduced speed limits, temporary lane closures, traffic and pedestrian realignments and stop-go traffic control
Increased heavy vehicle movements
Construction noise
Signage and road barriers in place to help redirect motorists and pedestrians

Construction schedule

Construction will take place between 6.30am to 6.30pm Monday to Saturday. Works outside these hours may be necessary at times to assist with the delivery of plant, equipment and materials. This will help council complete the project as quickly as possible. Works will continue throughout school holiday periods but exclude public holidays.

Car park reconfiguration. 8 – 18 October 2019:Prior to constructing the new multi-deck car park facing Smith Street, reconfiguration works have been completed to the portion of the car park fronting Brisbane Road and First Avenue. This reconfiguration has delivered 93 parking spaces and four motorcycle parking spaces which will remain available for public use throughout the construction period.

October 2019 – December 2020 New multi-deck car park (weather and site conditions permitting)

28 October 2019 to 13 December 2019: Council will establish the car park as a construction site and office. This includes removing the existing car park surface, vegetation and construction of footings for the new car park.

28 January 2020 to mid-September 2020: Works will start on the eight-level building structure.

Late September to early 2021: Decorative building elements, landscaping and fitout.

*Timeframes may change subject to weather, site conditions, council’s budget process and other funding.

Brisbane Road Car Park Nears Completion

3 Nov 2020 | Source: Sunshine Coast Council

We are almost at the finish line, with approximately seven weeks to go before the opening of the new Mooloolaba 700-space multi-deck car park, weather and site conditions permitting.

In the past month the roof structure has been installed, the scaffolding has been largely dismantled, allowing a first glimpse of the architectural detail of the structure’s façade, and new stormwater, electrical, gas and telecommunications infrastructure installed from First Avenue to the Muraban and Smith streets intersection.

The next few weeks of works will be extensive as we continue to make the final push to the finish line.
To see the location of the works area, please refer to the map on page 2.

What’s coming up?
Construction remains on track for the opening of the car park in mid-December 2020, weather permitting.
The next few weeks of work will include:

•  Installation of rooftop solar panels

•  Construction of the exit and entry ramps including the express ramp to level four. For safety reasons, a safety exclusion zone will be created for a few days in the adjacent car park

•  Installation of precast concrete façade panels

•  Installation of central screens on all levels

•  Removal of existing Telstra and NBN infrastructure on First Avenue

•  Roadworks and streetscaping along Smith Street and First Avenue including new surfaces, kerbs and channels.

To facilitate these works, including the safe delivery of materials required for the project, from time to time, a section of Smith Street, First Avenue and the intersection of Muraban and Smith streets may need to be temporarily closed.

Signage and traffic controllers will be present during these closures.

Access to driveways along Smith Street and First Avenue will remain available and traffic controllers will assist motorists as required.
Construction hours will be between 6.30am and 6pm, Monday – Saturday, weather and site conditions permitting.

What to expect during these works?

Residents and nearby businesses should expect intermittent, low-medium level noise impacts.

Reduced speed limits and changes to traffic conditions will be in place.

Signage and traffic controllers will be present during the works.

Council will make every effort to minimise impacts during these works however this is a major construction project and some inconvenience is to be expected.

Register to receive project updates

To receive regular project updates throughout the construction period, please register by emailing your contact details to [email protected].

Contact the project team

If you have a questions on the Brisbane Road Car Park Redevelopment project, please contact council’s customer service team on (07) 5475 7272 (during office hours, Monday to Friday 8.15am-5pm) or email [email protected].

Agreement reached for the Brisbane Road Car Park site

25 Jun 2020 | Source: Sunshine Coast Council

Sunshine Coast Council has endorsed KPAT Asset Management Pty Ltd as the preferred respondent to the extensive procurement process to develop the parcel of land fronting Brisbane Road and First Avenue, Mooloolaba.

Council also authorised the Acting Chief Executive Officer to negotiate and execute contracts for the development and sale of this portion of the Brisbane Road Car Park site.

In November 2018, council decided to divide the existing Brisbane Road Car Park site into two parcels.

Following this decision, council undertook an expression of interest and subsequent tender process for the parcel fronting Brisbane Road and First Avenue. This process was overseen from the outset by an independent probity advisor.

Acting Chief Executive Officer Warren Bunker said the evaluation panel concluded in early 2020 that the submission from KPAT Asset Management Pty Ltd was stronger and more advantageous to council and the community, due to superior design and highest offer price for the land.

“The proposal from KPAT Asset Management Pty Ltd includes a 4.5 star hotel development comprising of 160 hotel rooms, additional car parking and ground level retail space,” Mr Bunker said.

“The proposed hotel operator is the Minor Hotel Group, which operates Avani brand hotels.

“Minor Hotel Group is an international hotel and resort chain with over 30 Avani branded hotels worldwide including 4 in Australia along with 50 Oaks branded operations.

“The benefits from a project of this nature flow through to many local contractors, suppliers and businesses.

“It is anticipated that subject to successfully negotiating the necessary contracts and the proponent obtaining the requisite development approvals, approximately 186 construction workers would be involved throughout construction with an ongoing 137 jobs in the local retail and accommodation sector.

“In late 2018, council obtained and subsequently released, an independent valuation for this portion of the site, which was $8.4 million.

“A further valuation has been obtained in April 2020, which takes into account council’s requirements for an access easement from Brisbane Road to the new multi-deck car park, requirements for a hotel and ground level activation as well as the contents of the proposal from KPAT Asset Management Pty Ltd.
“Revenue received from the proceeds of sale of the land will help to offset the cost of constructing the new multi-deck car park in Mooloolaba.

“Details of the April 2020 valuation for this portion of the site (fronting Brisbane Road and First Avenue) will be released once the contract negotiations with KPAT Asset Management Pty Ltd have concluded.”

Construction on the new 4.5 star hotel is expected to start in mid-2022 subject to development approval being obtained by the proponent in late 2021. On this timeline, the project is forecast to be completed in late 2023.

Mooloolaba's new multi-deck car park is coming out of the ground!

15 May 2020 | Source: Sunshine Coast Council

Construction on the $18 million Brisbane Road car park redevelopment in Mooloolaba is taking shape, with the structure now visible above ground.

The new eight-storey multi-deck car park will increase public parking in Mooloolaba from 176 spaces to over 700 car parking spaces, with a further 54 motorcycle spaces and 50 bicycle spaces.

In May 2019, council entered into a contract with Evans Built Pty Ltd., a locally owned and operated business, to design and construct the multi-deck car park on the parcel of land facing Smith Street and First Avenue.

The multi-deck car park is expected to be completed by December 2020 (weather and site conditions permitting)

Project benefits

More parking in Mooloolaba has been identified as a high priority to benefit residents, visitors and businesses.

The natural assets and vibrant shops, cafes and restaurants that continue to attract people to Mooloolaba will be enhanced by increased accessibility to the heart of Mooloolaba.

In addition to increased parking, the ground floor includes space for ground floor commercial tenancies to further support the economic development of Mooloolaba.

The mixed-use tenancies facing First Avenue will create an activated street frontage, enhancing and complementing the existing laneway community.

About the design

The design of the new multi-deck car park draws inspiration from the natural environment and incorporates local references of the Mooloolaba area.

The play of light and shadow on the building as well as subtle colour changes echo the flow and movement of water in the nearby rivers and ocean. Vertical elements in the surrounding screen hint at mooring posts for boats. Water references form a key element of the overall design connecting the built structure to Mooloolaba’s sense of place and coastal character.

Community engagement

An extensive community engagement process was undertaken during the development of the Placemaking Mooloolaba Master Plan which was adopted by council in December 2015.

Improving car parking in Mooloolaba was one of the strongest and most consistent themes and the new car park helps meet that need.

The Brisbane Road Car Park project team has worked closely with Mooloolaba businesses adjacent to the car park area in May and September 2019. Council is committed to keeping traders informed throughout the project.

Council’s economic development team will conduct a series of workshops throughout the construction period to help support businesses during the construction period. Council has prepared a Business Continuity Guide to assist businesses to prepare and plan for construction projects such as this one.

Council will continue to keep the community informed throughout the project via newsletters, construction notifications, online updates, liaison with local business and community organisations, and face to face meetings with adjacent businesses

Register to receive construction updates

Council’s primary method of communicating construction information will be via email updates. If you wish to receive construction updates please email your name, business name (if applicable), email address and phone number to [email protected]

Changes to traffic conditions and car parking during construction

Car parking

Council provides a range of free on-street and off-street parking throughout Mooloolaba including:

• Temporary Mooloolaba Beach car park – 122 parking spaces

• Beach Terrace car park – 111 parking spaces

• Club Lane car park – 19 parking spaces and 8 Surf Life Saving only parking spaces

• The Wharf car park – 427 parking spaces

• Brisbane Road car park (fronting Brisbane Rd) – 93 parking spaces

• Incana Court car park – 110 parking spaces. Construction personnel will be encouraged to park in the Incana Court car park, ensuring the maximum number of parking bays remain available in the heart of Mooloolaba.

On-street parking is also available at various locations throughout Mooloolaba.

For more details about parking in Mooloolaba, download the Mooloolaba Parking Area Map[3767KB]

Changes to traffic conditions

Council will make every effort to minimise impacts to road users and the local community during construction however this is a major construction project and some inconvenience is to be expected.

At various times throughout the project, the public may experience:

• Changes to traffic conditions – reduced speed limits, temporary lane closures, traffic and pedestrian realignments and stop-go traffic control

• Increased heavy vehicle movements

• Construction noise

• Signage and road barriers in place to help redirect motorists and pedestriansConstruction schedule

Construction will take place between 6.30am to 6.30pm Monday to Saturday. Works outside these hours may be necessary at times to assist with the delivery of plant, equipment and materials. This will help council complete the project as quickly as possible. Works will continue throughout school holiday periods but exclude public holidays.

To minimise construction disruption to residents, visitors and local businesses over the Christmas and New Year period, noisy works will cease between Friday, December 13 and Tuesday, January 28 2020

•  Car park reconfiguration. 8 – 18 October 2019:Prior to constructing the new multi-deck car park facing Smith Street, reconfiguration works have been completed to the portion of the car park fronting Brisbane Road and First Avenue. This reconfiguration has delivered 93 parking spaces and four motorcycle parking spaces which will remain available for public use throughout the construction period.

•  28 October 2019 to 13 December 2019: Council will establish the car park as a construction site and office. This includes removing the existing car park surface, vegetation and construction of footings for the new car park.

•  28 January 2020 to mid-September 2020: Works will start on the eight-level building structure.

• Late September to early December 2020: Decorative building elements, landscaping and fitout.

• December 2020 New multi-deck car park (weather and site conditions permitting)

*Timeframes may change subject to weather, site conditions, council’s budget process and other funding.

Project news and updates

•  Latest Project News[511KB]
•  Construction update - Feb 2020[378KB]
•  Brisbane Road Car Park - Community Update (23 January 2020)[784KB]
•  Brisbane Road Car Park - Community Update (22 October 2019)[511KB]
•  Brisbane Road Car Park - Car Park Reconfiguration (23 September 2019)[1015KB]

Contact

For further information, members of the public can contact council (during office hours, Monday to Friday 8.15am-5pm) or email [email protected].

Construction begins on new Brisbane Road Car Park Development

10 Oct 2019 | Source: Sunshine Coast Council

Work has begun to reconfigure the Brisbane Road Car Park at Mooloolaba in preparation for the multi-deck car park development on the north-western half of the site.

Sunshine Coast Councillor John Connolly said the redesign of the first portion fronting Brisbane Road and First Avenue would deliver an additional 26 car parks, accomodating 93 car parking bays plus four motorcycle parking spaces.

A development application for a multi-deck public parking station and commercial outlets on the north-western half of the site fronting Smith Street and First Avenue was lodged with council on September 2.

The $18 million Mooloolaba development proposal includes ground floor commercial tenancies and an eight-storey car park, which will provide more than 700 public parking spaces.

“Council endorsed a recommendation at its September Ordinary Meeting to start construction of the new multi-deck car park in late October. This is subject to receiving a Development Approval and the project reaching other necessary milestones," Cr Connolly said.

“In the interests of transparency, council has appointed an independent assessment manager to consider this development application, with a report to council expected later this month,” Cr Connolly said.

“To minimise inconvenience to businesses, residents and visitors, and retain the maximum number of car parks, the reconfiguration will be delivered in two stages, starting today (October 8) and continuing until October 18, weather permitting,”

“With this staged approach, the car park will continue to be accessible throughout the reconfiguration.

“Council informed the traders last month that the reconfiguration works were scheduled to start after the Queensland school holidays.”

The new multi-deck car park will include:

• More than 20,000sqm of additional parking spaces
• More than 700 parking spaces, with a further 54 motorcycle spaces and 50 bicycle spaces
• Eight-storey car park
• Ground floor retail outlets facing First Avenue
• Vehicle entries from Brisbane Road and Smith Street

The application is available for public viewing on council’s Development. https://developmenti.sunshinecoast.qld.gov.au.

New car park and retail space designed for Mooloolaba

Mon 27 May 19 | Source: Sunshine Coast Council

The redevelopment of Brisbane Road Car Park at Mooloolaba will now move into the design stage, following Sunshine Coast Council awarding the design and construct contract of a new multi-deck public car park to Evans Built, a locally owned and operated business.

The announcement follows a council decision last November to divide the Brisbane Road Car Park site into two parcels and call for tenders to design and construct a multi-deck car park on land fronting Smith Street and First Avenue.

Mayor Mark Jamieson said the car park project would deliver a minimum of 700 public parking spaces over eight levels, all of which would be at or above ground.

“The construction cost is estimated to be approximately $18 million, which will be finalised and confirmed pending the outcomes of the development assessment process and detailed design.

“The Mooloolaba Local Area Parking Plan recognises a potential need for an additional 1000 off-street car parking spaces over a 20-year period to 2036, to service Mooloolaba as a whole,” Mayor Jamieson said.

“Not all of the increase is required immediately, nor is it expected that the Brisbane Road Car Park site would be required to accommodate the entire 1000 car parking spaces, however this project will go some way towards addressing the 2036 target.”

Divisional Councillor John Connolly said the Brisbane Road Car Park redevelopment was one of many Mooloolaba infrastructure projects council and State and Federal governments were investing in to create a world-class destination for residents and visitors to enjoy.

He cited the $3.5 million Mooloolaba Beach Holiday Park redevelopment, the $2 million Mooloolaba boardwalk upgrade, the recently completed $5.15 million Mayes Canal pedestrian and cycling bridge co-funded by council and the Queensland Government and the recently announced $12 million Mayes Canal to Venning St corridor upgrade contribution from the Federal Government.

“This new multi-level car park will be more than a parking solution. With retail on the ground level, it will contribute to the local economy and activate the First Avenue and Smith Street corner,” Cr Connolly said.

“Council will communicate to residents and visitors that Mooloolaba is ‘open for business’ during the construction period.

“We will also ensure appropriate marketing strategies are in place through Visit Sunshine Coast to maintain, and in fact, build on Mooloolaba’s enviable reputation and tourist numbers.”

Evans Built Director Sean Evans said the company was excited to be part of this landmark project for Sunshine Coast Council.

“Our long history as a commercial builder is deeply rooted in the Sunshine Coast area and we are pleased to be working alongside council to deliver quality facilities for our community,” Mr Evans said.

“Our employees are Sunshine Coast people. Our architect, town planner and other team consultants are drawn from local companies.

“Evans Built is part of the Mooloolaba community and we support local subcontractors and businesses in our daily operations, and in the delivery of our projects.

“We look forward to realising the Brisbane Road multi-deck car park here in our own backyard.”

Construction is expected to start in November 2019 once development approval has been obtained. The project is forecast to be completed in November 2020.

During construction of the multi-deck carpark, council anticipates about 100 car park bays will remain available on the balance of the Brisbane Road Car park site fronting Brisbane Road.

This is in addition to other car parking options council has opened up to accommodate car parking during the construction period, including the former North Mooloolaba Caravan Park site.

Council has ensured within the contract that, wherever possible, construction workers are required to use the purpose-built public car park at Incana Court, which will minimise the impact of construction and associated parking requirements around the site.

Council is continuing to work through the Expressions of Interest process for the balance parcel of the Brisbane Road Car Park site fronting Brisbane Road.

Brisbane Road Car Park site options to be re-evaluated

Thursday 05 July 2018 | Source: Sunshine Coast Council

Brisbane Road carpark

Sunshine Coast Council today announced the Brisbane Road Car Park redevelopment tender process had concluded, with the withdrawal of Abacus Investments Pty Ltd.

Mayor Mark Jamieson said council’s priority had always been to ensure this project would deliver substantial benefits to ratepayers.

“For council, this project has always been about increasing the total number of public car parks delivered; limiting council’s financial contribution to the project; retaining ownership of the public car parks; and managing the timing around the project delivery to minimise disruption to Mooloolaba traders and visitors during peak periods,” Mayor Jamieson said.

“As we have said all along, increasing the number of publicly accessible car parks was a fundamental component of what we were seeking from Abacus.

“Council was not prepared to give way on any of these conditions as, without them, our ratepayers and the residents and business owners of Mooloolaba would have been disadvantaged.

“Ultimately, Abacus reached a commercial decision not to proceed further.

“From our perspective, council was not prepared to compromise the outcomes we were seeking, just to get a deal over the line.

“At the same time, council believes the Brisbane Road car park site offers a significant opportunity, given the added value to a tourism based project such as this that will be contributed from the expansion of the Sunshine Coast Airport, the proposed international submarine cable and now the Federal Government’s interest in a fast rail solution to the Sunshine Coast.”

Mayor Jamieson acknowledged that this had been a long process.

“But getting the right outcome for our community was more important to council than just getting a start date on something that would not have delivered what was both expected and required for Mooloolaba,” Mayor Jamieson said.

“The entire procurement process has been overseen by an independent Probity Advisor since day one, so there can be no question on the integrity of those negotiations.”

Mayor Jamieson also stated that while Abacus had withdrawn from the tender process, council remained focussed on securing more publicly-accessible car parking in Mooloolaba.

“Council has already delivered a further 257 publicly-accessible car parks in Mooloolaba in the last year,” Mayor Jamieson said.

“In addition, council is moving forward with a proposal to assume responsibility for the regulation of a number of privately owned car parks in the area, which will make further car parks publicly accessible in Mooloolaba.

“There are more public car parks available in Mooloolaba now than was the case just 12 months ago and this will continue to grow.”

Divisional Councillor John Connolly said council was now in a far better position than when the project’s Expression of Interest process started.

“Many opportunities have arisen as a result of the tender process which will assist council achieve the best long-term outcome for this site and our community,” Cr Connolly said.

“These opportunities include council owning a site that now has a development approval in place for a multi-use development, providing greater value to council and our ratepayers, but also more certainty for a potential future investor.

“Council also retains ownership of all materials relating to the development approval, including documents and plans.

“Council is aware there has been considerable market interest in the multiple uses now offered on the site, which can only bode well for the future.”

Cr Connolly said council had always recognised this important site was under-utilised in its current form.

“Our priority has always been to optimise what we could see delivered on this site in a way that achieved some of our important place making objectives for Mooloolaba,” Cr Connolly said.

“Council makes no apology for this.

“As a priority, we will now thoroughly explore all options, understanding that the Mooloolaba business community, in particular, needs certainty around the site’s future.

“They also need clarity around any construction and completion schedules and car parking solutions during and after any construction.

“When considering potential options, council will at all times focus on achieving the best long-term outcome for our ratepayers.”

Council confirmed that revisiting the previous expressions of interest and tenders for the site was not possible, given the length of time that had elapsed and other factors that may impact on the delivery of those proposals.

Brisbane Road Car Park developers withdraw from the project

Fri 2 March 18 | Source: Sunshine Coast Council

Sunshine Coast Council has announced the Brisbane Road Car Park redevelopment tender process had concluded, with the withdrawal of Abacus Investments Pty Ltd.

The development was set to deliver a five-storey car park with 704 public parking bays, plus a retail component, hotel, function facility, resort complex, and residential and retirement facilities.

Mayor Mark Jamieson said council’s priority had always been to ensure this project would deliver substantial benefits to ratepayers.

“For council, this project has always been about increasing the total number of public car parks delivered; limiting council’s financial contribution to the project; retaining ownership of the public car parks; and managing the timing around the project delivery to minimise disruption to Mooloolaba traders and visitors during peak periods,” Mayor Jamieson said.

“As we have said all along, increasing the number of publicly accessible car parks was a fundamental component of what we were seeking from Abacus.

“Council was not prepared to give way on any of these conditions as, without them, our ratepayers and the residents and business owners of Mooloolaba would have been disadvantaged.

“Ultimately, Abacus reached a commercial decision not to proceed further.

“From our perspective, council was not prepared to compromise the outcomes we were seeking, just to get a deal over the line.

“At the same time, council believes the Brisbane Road car park site offers a significant opportunity, given the added value to a tourism based project such as this that will be contributed from the expansion of the Sunshine Coast Airport, the proposed international submarine cable and now the Federal Government’s interest in a fast rail solution to the Sunshine Coast.”

Mayor Jamieson acknowledged that this had been a long process.

“But getting the right outcome for our community was more important to council than just getting a start date on something that would not have delivered what was both expected and required for Mooloolaba,” Mayor Jamieson said.

“The entire procurement process has been overseen by an independent Probity Advisor since day one, so there can be no question on the integrity of those negotiations.”

Mayor Jamieson also stated that while Abacus had withdrawn from the tender process, council remained focussed on securing more publicly-accessible car parking in Mooloolaba.

“Council has already delivered a further 257 publicly-accessible car parks in Mooloolaba in the last year,” Mayor Jamieson said.

“In addition, council is moving forward with a proposal to assume responsibility for the regulation of a number of privately owned car parks in the area, which will make further car parks publicly accessible in Mooloolaba.

“There are more public car parks available in Mooloolaba now than was the case just 12 months ago and this will continue to grow.”

Divisional Councillor John Connolly said council was now in a far better position than when the project’s Expression of Interest process started.

“Many opportunities have arisen as a result of the tender process which will assist council achieve the best long-term outcome for this site and our community,” Cr Connolly said.

“These opportunities include council owning a site that now has a development approval in place for a multi-use development, providing greater value to council and our ratepayers, but also more certainty for a potential future investor.

“Council also retains ownership of all materials relating to the development approval, including documents and plans.

“Council is aware there has been considerable market interest in the multiple uses now offered on the site, which can only bode well for the future.”

Cr Connolly said council had always recognised this important site was under-utilised in its current form.

“Our priority has always been to optimise what we could see delivered on this site in a way that achieved some of our important place making objectives for Mooloolaba,” Cr Connolly said.

“Council makes no apology for this.

“As a priority, we will now thoroughly explore all options, understanding that the Mooloolaba business community, in particular, needs certainty around the site’s future.

“They also need clarity around any construction and completion schedules and car parking solutions during and after any construction.

“When considering potential options, council will at all times focus on achieving the best long-term outcome for our ratepayers.”

Council confirmed that revisiting the previous expressions of interest and tenders for the site was not possible, given the length of time that had elapsed and other factors that may impact on the delivery of those proposals.

Council approves Brisbane Road renewal project

2 February 18 | Source: Sunshine Coast Council

A major renewal project at the Brisbane Road car park site at Mooloolaba has been given the green light after the Sunshine Coast Council today approved the development application for the project.

The development that is the subject of the approval will deliver a five-storey car park with 704 public parking bays, plus a retail component, a hotel, residential and retirement facilities.

Planning Portfolio Cr Christian Dickson said the development approval would facilitate the start of the roll-out of the next major stages of the Mooloolaba Master Plan.

“Our Place Making Mooloolaba Master Plan, produced with the help of the local community, will help ensure Mooloolaba is a world-class beachfront destination at Mooloolaba,” Cr Dickson said.

“Improving the car parking in Mooloolaba was one of the strongest and most consistent messages received during the community consultation phases with the Master Plan and this project is a significant step towards responding to that need.

“This is a vital piece of infrastructure.

“With retirement living – it’s a great mixture - it’s important to consider our future population’s needs and ensure we provide developments that can help meet the demand for quality aged care services in our community.

“This project was never intended to solve all the problems of Mooloolaba in one hit but it will be a key chess piece of the future.”

Council will own the 704 public car parking spaces and will continue to have a residual interest in the land.

The development plan for the site includes residential and retirement facilities and a hotel offering accommodation, restaurant and bar, function facility and resort complex.

Cr Dickson said given council is the owner of the site, in the interests of transparency an independent assessment team considered the development application.

“The overall development will support the local building and construction industry as well as providing future employment for locals”, he said.

“Once operational, it is predicted that more than 600 jobs are likely to be provided both directly and indirectly as a result of the proposed development.”

Cr John Connolly, whose division includes Mooloolaba, said the site is presently underutilised and this development will provide substantial benefits to the community and the local economy.

"This is a real win-win for our community as additional parking will encourage people to visit Mooloolaba and patronise the local businesses”, Cr Connolly said.

“We have developed a vision for Mooloolaba and now we are acting to make that a reality.”

Council officers have been negotiating with the preferred tenderer Abacus Group, refining the proposed plans for the site, with a view to the roll out of the development causing the least possible disruption to the precinct and surrounding businesses.

It is anticipated that construction will start in April, however there are still a number of milestones to achieve before a confirmed date is established.

Council is committed to providing alternative public parking during the construction of the Brisbane Road car park.

The alternative parking options for staff, visitors, residents and construction workers, will exceed the number of bays (179) currently provided at the Brisbane Road car park site.

The application details will be publicly available on council’s PD Online.

Image caption: Artist impression of the Brisbane Road car park project landscaped podium.