Sunshine Coast Council policy behind Caloundra’s 27m hotel proposal

A business organisation has weighed in on plans for a 27m Caloundra hotel proposed under an incentive policy that aims to lure accommodation developments and which caused hot debate among the region’s councillors.

Caloundra Chamber of Commerce president Michael Shadforth says the Caloundra proposal would revitalise the suburb.

A Sunshine Coast business organisation has weighed in on a proposal for a luxurious hotel at a prime site in a suburb primed for tourism.

5ive Co lodged a proposal to build a 27m high hotel along Bulcock Beach, offering more than 70 rooms at 31 Esplanade Bulcock Beach, Caloundra just metres from the water.

The development will be subject to public consultation.

The plans described the Sunshine Coast Council’s Accommodation Hotel Incentives Strategic Policy, which was implemented in August.

The policy offers financial and non-financial incentives for developers to provide accommodation offerings in preparation for the 2032 Brisbane Olympic Games.

Artist impressions of the hotel proposed for 31 Esplanade Bulcock Beach, Caloundra. Photo: Fraser and Partners/5ive Co

It includes a waiver for temporary works fees and development application fees for projects that do not require public consultation.

A free case management pre-lodgement service and a dedicated development assessment team are also part of the offerings.

Council has also proposed to offer additional height allowances, which still requires public consultation, and a reduced car parking rate for hotel proposals.

Sunshine Coast councillors voted on the Temporary Local Planning Instrument in late August with a controversial outcome.

Councillors Ted Hungerford and David Law voted against the planning instrument, with Cr Hungerford commenting he was “disappointed” the plan did not propose the council consult the community on all aspects of the incentive package.

According to the plan, the Temporary Local Planning Instrument would also allow an additional 3m for sites with existing height limits, 7m for other sites and further rooftop use of up to 3m.

Application documents for the hotel plans stated the project is consistent with council’s Accommodation Hotel Incentives Strategic Policy.

Documents also make note of the Temporary Local Planning Instrument, saying the proposed 27m high building “generally complies” with the draft building height incentives.

Artist impressions of the hotel proposed for 31 Esplanade Bulcock Beach, Caloundra. Photo: Fraser and Partners/5ive Co

A council spokeswoman said council was unable to comment on 5ive Co’s proposal in relation to the strategic policy or drafted temporary local planning instrument.

“Council has recognised the urgent need for four- and five-star, full-service hotels and is seeking to encourage new hotels on the Sunshine Coast,” the spokeswoman said.

“Each new hotel will provide huge potential flow-on benefits to our community, opening the doors to new skills, capital and innovation and a significant opportunity to further accelerate the region’s economic growth.”

Caloundra Chamber of Commerce president Michael Shadforth described the proposal as an “exciting new development” in an exceptional, “first-class location”.

He welcomed the development to the “vibrant community”.

Artist impressions of the hotel proposed for 31 Esplanade Bulcock Beach, Caloundra. Photo: Fraser and Partners/5ive Co

Mr Shadforth labelled the plans as a testament to growing confidence in Caloundra by investors.

He said it marked a shift from focusing on past challenges to the potential of the “beautiful beach village”.

“As new retail, dining, and experiential offerings fill the area, we’re transforming from the old into a vibrant, James Street-style precinct,” he said.

Mr Shadforth said the new luxury hotel would trigger economic growth and “community revitalisation”.

Michael Shadforth. Photo: contributed

“With our population on the rise, we’re also seeing necessary investments in infrastructure to support this growth, including road and rail projects promised by the LNP,” Mr Shadforth said.

The proposed hotel would contribute to enhancing Caloundra as a safe swimming, food and beverage destination, to attract families looking for a “holiday experience distinct from Noosa,” he said.

“It will support the influx of a younger demographic, boost careers and business opportunities, and contribute to the evolution of Bulcock Street into Queensland’s premiere browsing destination.”

“Overall, it represents a significant positive step toward a prosperous future for Caloundra.”