Early works commence on Barns Lane Farm at Coolum Beach, despite redesign of project

Early works have started at a major agritourism development which will champion local produce and become an entertainment hub, despite rising costs forcing a redesign.

Construction will soon start on Barns Lane Farm at Coolum Beach which once open will celebrate local producers and offer a premium events space. Picture: Patrick Woods.

Preliminary works have commenced at a major agritourism development on the Sunshine Coast, despite rising costs forcing the proponents to look into a redesign of the project.

On-site works have commenced at Barns Lane Farm, a food and entertainment hub at Coolum Beach that is set to feature a produce hall, restaurant, brewery, distillery, outdoor stage, and nursery, as part of the first stage of works.

The derelict building at the northern end of the 6.8ha site has been demolished ahead of the planned delivery of paddock topsoil for the grower beds next week.

Project developer Jason Grant said it was great to see movement on the ground.

“Barns Lane Farm is set to become a showcase for regional produce and food manufacturers - it will become a place where tourists will be able to connect with local producers,” Mr Grant said.

“Everything is heading in a very positive direction and we look forward to opening towards the end of next year.”

Developers Jonathan Leishman and Jason and Helen Grant are behind plans for an agribusiness and tourist hub at Coolum Beach, called Barns Lane Farm.

The commencement of works comes after rising costs of construction and finance forced the proponents into a redesign of the project.

“As some of you may be aware, over recent times, construction prices and the cost of finance have risen significantly,” the statement read.

“These two factors created the need for the Barns Lane team to dig deep as we faced substantial challenges with getting a start on site.

“We took a hard look at what needed to change in the base design and what could be delivered as a future stage.

“That has meant we have had to go back to the drawing board literally with a redesign.”

PLANS: The vision for the new Barns Lane Farm.

The redesign resulted in the removal of basements from four buildings, as well as changes to different aspects of staging across the site, with elements such as viewing platforms, artist silo, and casual event space to be delivered after the initial opening.

“Council have been supportive of this approach, and we received our minor change in approval to reflect this,” they said.

“Since then, the design team have been working on securing the supplementary approvals for water and sewer connections, as well as operational works approvals for bulk earthworks and the upgrade of Barns Lane itself.

“We will continue working towards securing the last of our approvals and to bringing Barns Lane Farm to life.”

Initially slated to open later this year, Barns Lane Farm is now expected to open in late 2024.