Cooloola Electronics to become unit and two new businesses

A Mary St building that has sat empty for more than four years, has been revealed as the centre of a new project that will launch it into a new era, and bring a welcome sign of prosperity and life to the flood ravaged CBD.

A development application to turn a former Mary St electronics store into a split-level business and residential complex has been launched with Gympie Regional Council.

Cooloola Electronics, formerly owned by Cindy and Paul Medway, closed down in 2018 and has been an empty shopfront ever since.

But now, an application from Ian Johnson, who owns Tasmanian architecture company JAID Architecture, has proposed to breathe new life into the historic Mary St building.

The material change of use application was first lodged with the council on June 6, 2022, and proposes the three-level building be turned into two new businesses and a residential unit.

The documents state the building will undergo a general refurbishment as well as new features such as a split carport in the basement able to fit eight cars.

A development application to turn a former Mary St electronics store into a split-level business and residential complex has been launched with Gympie Regional Council.

The second level, which opens onto upper Mary St will be split in half to allow for two new businesses, complete with a new shopfront and an all-access bathroom for each tenant.

The third level will become a one-bedroom residential unit and will be refitted to allow for an updated kitchen, laundry and bathroom area.

New stairs between levels two and three will be installed, as well as a new balcony and railing for the top level.

The second level of the building (pictured here), which faces Mary St, will be split in half to allow for two new businesses.

The third and top level of the building (pictured here), will become a one-bedroom unit complete with a new balcony overlooking Mary St.

The project is estimated to cost $450,000 altogether.

However, questions have been raised by the council on whether the updated building is in the firing line for impending flood disasters.

During the February 2022 flood, which was named the worst in more than a century, water crept as high as upper Mary St and inundated nearby businesses.

Mr Johnson states in the DA that flood waters reaching the building was a possibility, but they would not affect entering or exiting the residential unit above.

The project is still before council, and an estimated completion date is yet to be provided.