Stockland proposes new business park in growing Sunshine Coast suburb

A commercial precinct touting childcare, fitness and more has been proposed for a vacant block in a bustling Sunshine Coast suburb. See the plans.

A new business park has been proposed for a vacant Baringa site. Photo: Stockland/ RPS Group

A new commercial precinct featuring a “village heart” has been proposed for a vacant block within the Aura Business Park at Caloundra South.

Evolve Planning lodged a development application on behalf of Stockland Development Pty Ltd with Economic Planning Queensland to establish a business park in Baringa featuring 14 lots for predominantly commercial and office uses.

Within the existing Aura Business Park, the 6.758ha site is currently vacant and has road frontage to Aura Boulevard and Graf Drive in Baringa.

The proposed site is in proximity to several fast food outlets and light industrial lots as well as several hardware and trade suppliers.

A district sports field is also in construction combined with several vacant blocks reserved for showrooms within the Aura Business Park.

The proposed site is located in Baringa along Aura Boulevard and Graf Drive, Baringa. Photo: Stockland/Nearmap

Documents show the proposal includes a central “village heart” — designated as lot 10 — to provide a meeting place for workers and patrons.

This features green space, food premises, shops, offices, co-working spaces and access to a childcare centre and a fitness facility.

Documents state in early 2024, a design team and Stockland and commercial property agents toured business and office parks in Brisbane to study in preparation for the application.

A “village heart” as a central hub became a “clear attractor” to support workers and visitors, overall reducing the need for additional trips to fulfil other daily needs.

The proposed business park's village heart. Photo: Stockland

A business park has been proposed for a vacant Baringa site. Photo: Stockland/ RPS Group

If approved, the western end of the proposed business park would provide an opportunity for “boutique” manufacturing and technology premises, marking a transition to the industrial areas in proximity to the site, documents state.

Plans show the remaining lots 1-9 and 14 would be allowed business and office uses and lots 11-13 would include permission for industrial uses.

Each lot would span between 1561sq m and 7731sq m.

This proposal would contribute to one of the overall goals of the Aura development to provide 15,000 job opportunities for current and future residents.