Development application lodged for new eight-storey unit complex at Picnic Point Esplanade, Maroochydore

Residents worry the region is getting closer to becoming “another Gold Coast” as documents reveal plans to knock down homes to make way for a 15-unit complex.

An application has been lodged for a new apartment complex at Picnic Point Esplanade, Maroochydore. Pictured right are Sunshine Coats residents Mikaela Rutter and Marcus Freudenmann.

Two multimillion dollar riverfront properties would go to make way for an eight-storey apartment complex under development plans for Maroochydore.

Tennis champion turned property developer Mark Kratzmann has lodged a development application with Sunshine Coast Council for a 15-unit complex at 30 and 32 Picnic Point Esplanade.

According to a town planning report lodged on behalf of Mr Kratzmann’s firm FPMC Property No 2, the apartments would be in a high density area and between two neighbouring eight-storey complexes.

It says the project will have 15 three-bedroom units in a 24.7m building across the road from the Maroochy River.

It is the latest application for the area that is now home to several modern apartment complexes including Mr Kratzmann’s The Ivy Picnic Point.

Alexandra Headland resident Mikaela Rutter said she was surprised by how quickly the Sunshine Coast had changed since she moved to the area from regional Victoria four years ago.

“I don’t think I’m going to like how the Sunshine Coast is going to end up,” she said.

“There’s so many new apartment complexes … it’s like a mini Gold Coast already.”

Alastair Fitzgerald had similar concerns with the pace the Sunshine Coast was being developed.

“I moved here from Brisbane five years ago,” he said.

“It’s not real good … I don’t think the Sunshine Coast should be too much like the Gold Coast.”

Mr Kratzmann, who lives in The Ivy, said that developers nor council wanted the Sunshine Coast to become another Gold Coast.

He said the new complex – to be named Noir – will allow more people to enjoy the riverfront lifestyle.

“One of the big things that I truly believe is we’re not going to be the Gold Coast,” he said.

“That’s not just not going to happen … developers are genuinely working with the council on not creating that.

“Eight storeys is not the Gold Coast.

“We’re not overdoing it … we could have put 30 units in there but we don’t want to squeeze people in.”

While Marcus Freudenmann was not opposed to new apartment buildings he said he hoped there would be measures in place to ensure it was built to a good standard.

Mr Freudenmann, who lives in an apartment at Maroochydore, said he was not surprised to hear another being planned along the riverfront.

“The demand is there … we can’t stop it,” he said.

“I hope they do have something in place to ensure it is built to a good quality … especially considering it’s on the water.”

The project is code assessable meaning the council’s assessment process does not require public consultation.

Property records show FPMC Property No 2 purchased the seven-bedroom flats, built in 1977, at 30 Picnic Point Esplanade in April 2021 for $2m.

The company purchased 32 Picnic Point Esplanade – a three-bedroom home built in 1995 – for $1.35m in December 2018.

Mr Kratzmann said the home would be relocated to a block of land on the Sunshine Coast which was what they also did with the three properties removed for the development of The Ivy.

He said the complex would have a two-storey basement with 39 car parks so units would have at least two carparks each.

Lessons learned from The Ivy were also considered with extra parking spaces for electric bikes and a 2.35m high clearance in the basement to allow for larger vehicles.

The town planning report said it would be architecturally designed by Brisbane firm Cottee Parker.

“Overall, the proposal achieves a high quality contemporary, architecturally designed development,” the report says.

The “coffee like” coloured apartments would feature raised planters, oversized balconies, pedestrian entry arbours and architectural screenings.

The report says the complex complies with the Maroochydore and Kuluin local plans.