Paloma Paloma developers reveal new images of $250m Caloundra project
New details from a high rise development touted to change Caloundra forever have been revealed as the precinct is officially launched. SEE THE IMAGES
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Expressions of interest have opened for the luxurious apartments in a $250m project that locals say will leave Caloundra’s “clowntown” days in the past.
Development company Cura officially launched its proposed Paloma Paloma residential, hotel and commercial project at its Bulcock St site on Monday.
If approved the precinct would become one of Caloundra’s tallest properties with a 40m, 74-apartment residential tower and a 30m tall boutique hotel.
It would also feature restaurants and cafes.
Construction could start in August which would force the relocation of several businesses including Jennifer Suter’s Bad Hair Day barber shop.
Ms Suter has owned several businesses on the blocks of the proposed development for more than 22 years and said the project would be great for Caloundra.
She said she was “astounded” when the buildings were painted a pink-orange in a bid to build up hype for what was coming.
“It’s what Caloundra needs,” she said.
“I can’t fault what they’re doing.
“I’ve seen the transformation from a very quiet town to booming area.
“Caloundra used to be called ‘clowntown’ but it certainly is not a clowntown anymore.”
Colliers’ residential director and project sales agent Daniel Hirst said he would be surprised if the building was not sold out within three months.
He expected the four penthouses to sell for between $3-5m each while the two bedroom apartments could start at $800,000.
“Paloma Paloma will take Caloundra to the next level of sophistication and design,” Mr Hirst said.
“The residential experience is shifted up a notch with exclusive access to residents’ amenities including a pool deck, private formal and informal dining rooms, concierge lobby and access to a suite of extraordinary additional services.
“The four exclusive penthouses feature generous entertaining balconies, private balcony jacuzzies … luxurious kitchens and spacious living areas.
“These signature residences are the pinnacle of Paloma Paloma, completing an extraordinary suite of properties that must be seen to be believed.”
The project would be built on a 5000sq m site fronting Bulcock St, Canberra Tce and Bombala Tce.
Earlier this year the project made headlines when billboards that read “Not Noosa” were erected in Melbourne to advertise the much-hyped project.
Decibel Architecture conductor and project architect Dylan Brady said the firm drew inspiration from its designs in south east Asia for the new Caloundra precinct.
It would be the company’s first Sunshine Coast project and among few in Queensland.
Mr Brady said his brief was to “reimagine” a new project for the site after it was approved for the Sea Caloundra project in 2021.
Sea Caloundra was an approved two-tower development with retail and a medical precinct.
Mr Brady’s firm was behind the idea to paint the buildings pink.
“When we came up with the idea we saw a lot of interest, it was like waking up a sleepy town,” he said.
“Our brief was reimagine that proposal but think of it more of an integrated precinct with a hotel, hospitality and residential.”
The number of apartments decreased from the former approval for 104 to 74 which Mr Brady said allowed for increased ceiling heights.
He said they wanted to celebrate “indoor outdoor” living because of the project’s coastal location.
“Paloma Paloma’s design feels like a geological artefact brought back to life,” Mr Brady said.
“The project’s exterior re-imagines rock shelves and ocean ledges through mineral-stained exposed concrete.
“To further bring Caloundra’s landscape into the development, the residential common areas feature rock pools while the residential tower is designed in the image of a cruise liner that has docked at Caloundra’s shore.
“The balconies are extraordinary with spectacular views while the residential and hotel floor plans are generous.
“There’s a genuine sense of connection between the residence and hotel and the common areas create moments between people.
The precinct would also have a convention centre, members only health and wellness spa and gym, as well as “unrivalled” bars and restaurants.
Developers lodged a minor change application to the existing approval for Sea Caloundra on March 31, 2022.
The council is yet to make a decision.
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