Eumundi supermarket, retail proposed in application lodged with Sunshine Coast Council

Developers behind plans for a $4m Sunshine Coast hinterland supermarket have revealed how they think it will fit in with the eclectic town’s character. VOTE IN OUR POLL

A leafy Sunshine Coast hinterland suburb could have its first supermarket with developers planning to surround it with trees to fit in with the area.

Peregian Beach-based Altum Property Group has revealed plans for a supermarket and specialty retail on an “island” block at 10 Memorial Dr, Eumundi.

The supermarket would be the second stage of development at the 9915sq m block with the first stage a service station which has already been approved.

The stores would be 6.5m tall but surrounded by 15m tall trees, screening shrubs and foliage, with 10 per cent of the development to be dedicated to landscaping.

The application, lodged for Sunshine Coast Council approval by Project Urban on behalf of the developers, said there was no suitable areas within Eumundi’s Town Centre for a supermarket.

If approved it would be the only supermarket in the area and provide an option for residents who travel to Noosa, Cooroy or Peregian Springs for shopping.

Altum Property Group is directed by Alex Rigby and Rob McCready and the firm has previously developed Parkridge estate at Noosa and several unit complexes.

Mr McCready said there was “insufficient” developable land within the Eumundi local centre.

Altum Properties has revealed plans to transform a rural 'island' block at Eumundi with a service station, supermarket and specialty retail.

“We believe the proposed design and location is sympathetic and compatible to the existing character of Eumundi while also offering substantial positive community benefits to local residents as well as the wider community,” he said.

The site includes an approved service station as well as a retail centre with a 1200sqm limited line supermarket and 272 sqm of specialty retail.

Mr McCready said the proposed supermarket and speciality stores would service the Eumundi community and draw trade from Eerwah Vale, Verrierdale, North Arm and Belli Park residents looking to avoid travelling to Cooroy or Peregian Springs for their supermarket needs.

“Residents of the Eumundi area currently need to travel to either Yandina, Cooroy or Noosa to access supermarket facilities with the nearest full line supermarket is located some 15km away at Noosa Civic,“ he said.

“The new supermarket is also in keeping with the proposed growth in population of the area over the next decade with an expected average annual population growth of 1.2% per annum while the number of households is anticipated to increase by 1.3% per annum.

“Retail supply is limited to the Eumundi Local Centre, which is primarily focused on day-tripper and visitors and as a result, residents within the identified trade area must travel a significant distance to access a supermarket or convenience-based speciality retail of any size or range.“

He said the development would cost $4m to construct over 12 months.

Mr Rigby said award-winning architecture firm Blackburne Jackson created a building design that interpreted and articulated a response to Eumundi’s built form character.

Altum Properties has revealed plans to transform a rural 'island' block at Eumundi with a new supermarket and specialty retail – but it will all be hidden by large trees.

“The building will be low rise with a maximum height of about 6.5 metres and setback 6m from the street frontages which minimises the building profile and limits height impacts,“ Mr Rigby said.

“The site’s location out of the town centre also ensures that residents can access convenience goods without the congestion that sometimes arises within Eumundi due to visitors to the Eumundi markets.“

Because the Eumundi project is not in line with rural zoning guidelines the proposal will be subject to community consultation.

Application documents state the project would deliver a small shopping centre to fill a gap in what was offered at Eumundi’s centre.

Planning documents submitted to the council said the building would be sensitive to the local area with large garden verges and tall trees.

“These landscape areas will assist in softening the built form of the proposed development, provide scenic amenity benefits and contribute to a sense of entry to the town, which is not currently achieved with the open grass paddock,” the report said.

The application also referenced the council’s recent early work on the 2024 planning scheme.

It noted local area plans for Eumundi and Doonan cited the need for a supermarket.

The council has proposed to review the centre zone to “ensure appropriate opportunities for a small supermarket” in Eumundi.