Development still on cards as Bunnings backs out of site

The hardware giant has officially backed out of its bid to build a warehouse at a controversial site, but the retailer has not ruled out future development.

39 Barns Lane, Coolum Beach has hit the market after Bunnings Warehouse's failed lengthy bid to develop the site. Savills has launched a national campaign for the large parcel of land.

HARDWARE giant Bunnings has officially backed out of its controversial bid to build a warehouse opposite Coolum State School.

But the retailer has not ruled out future development in the coastal town.

Commercial real estate agency Savills has kicked off a national sales and marketing campaign for the 6.83ha parcel of rural-zoned land at 39 Barns Lane, off the Sunshine Motorway at the entry way to Coolum Beach.

FOR SALE: Bunnings has listed for sale a parcel of land at 39 Barns Lane, Coolum Beach, where the hardware giant has fought for years to build a warehouse. The large site is located at the entry to Coolum Beach, opposite the Coolum State School.

The block is advertised as a "significant land holding with future development potential", with the "possibility of rezoning in future" given its location within the South East Queensland Urban footprint.

The former Maroochy and current Sunshine Coast councils refused Bunnings' three development applications to build a warehouse, service station and restaurant in 2006, 2012 and 2016 on grounds the development did not comply with the planning scheme.

The refusals were upheld in the Planning and Environment Court and most recently the Supreme Court of Queensland, which dismissed Bunnings' final appeal in November last year.

Bunnings director of property Andrew Marks said the Supreme Court's ruling had spurred the decision to put the land on the market, but said the company may have another crack at Coolum.

39 Barns Lane, Coolum Beach has hit the market after Bunnings Warehouse's failed lengthy bid to develop the site. Savills has launched a national campaign for the large parcel of land.

"As a result of the Supreme Court of Queensland's decision, we will not be pursuing the development of a Bunnings store on the land at Barns Lane in Coolum and have appointed agents to sell the land," Mr Marks said.

"Coolum remains an area of interest for Bunnings and we would consider opening a store there in the future should the right opportunity become available."

Savills property agent Mark Dann said Bunnings had retained the agency to market and sell the property about two weeks ago, and the campaign kicked off last week with offers open until April 8.

39 Barns Lane, Coolum Beach has hit the market after Bunnings Warehouse's failed lengthy bid to develop the site. Savills has launched a national campaign for the large parcel of land.

"It will be a national campaign, and through Savills' network and database it will go international," Mr Dann said.

According to independent property analyst Core Logic, Bunnings Properties bought the land for $9,075,000.

Development Watch president Lyn Saxton said any potential buyer had to consider the Sunshine Coast Planning Scheme, and suggested the land was perfect for the community's recreational and sporting use.

"One of the recommendations in the Planning Scheme for that land were sporting facilities … perhaps the council would consider buying it and put some sports field there, even a new aquatic centre," Ms Saxton said.

"It is right next to the school so it would be perfect for it."

Sunshine Coast Council would not comment on commercial land sale or future proposed development applications, but is expected to comment on their involvement in the process associated with the land.

FILE PHOTO. Ray Barber is president of Coolum Residents Association. He wants councillors to vote against approval of Sekisui Houses hotel and housing development proposal.

Coolum Residents Association president and solicitor Ray Barber said the sale would mark a "new chapter" for the former cane land and llama farm, and assured any prospective developer that residents would welcome a development, which respected the planning scheme.

"You're allowed to have a showroom there. You're allowed to have a crematorium there. It's low-rise development as befits an entry point to a fantastic beachside holiday town," he said.

"So long as they abide by the planning scheme, Coolum residents applaud it."

Resident Tania Shaw suggested the land could be used for extra parking at the school to prevent congestion at the already busy roundabout.

Power cuts homes, but no rain damage

 

WHAT DO RESIDENTS THINK OF BUNNINGS' PLAN TO SELL THE SITE?

What do you think of Bunnings putting their Coolum Beach land on the market? Diego Buttinoni. In my opinion there wasn't enough customers here for a Bunnings, there's one in Maroochydore and one in Noosa, to want one in Coolum Beach was just strange.

Diego Buttinoni:

In my opinion there wasn't enough customers here for a Bunnings. There's one in Maroochydore and one in Noosa. To want one in Coolum Beach was just strange.

 

What do you think of Bunnings putting their Coolum Beach land on the market? Tracey Lovett. I know my dad would have liked it here, but we have enough Bunnings, there is one in Maroochydore and one in Noosa.

Tracey Lovett: I know my dad would have liked it here, but we have enough Bunnings, there is one in Maroochydore and one in Noosa.

 

What do you think of Bunnings putting their Coolum Beach land on the market? Monty Dale. If it's their land and they legally own it, they can sell it to whoever they want. I live in Coolum and own land, if I wanted to sell I'd like that same right.

Monty Dale: If it's their land and they legally own it, they can sell it to whoever they want. I live in Coolum and own land, if I wanted to sell I'd like that same right.

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