Moreton Bay, D’Aguilar Highway: Plan to build business hub along major highway

Plans have been lodged for a new cafe, restaurant and office space at a regional town north of Brisbane. It comes after construction began on a childcare centre in the emerging community hub.

A major highway connecting Moreton Bay road users to the Bruce Highway could soon be the site of a new community shopping centre with a cafe, restaurant, childcare centre and office space.

Craig and Kristine Lee have lodged a development application (DA) for a food and drink outlet, office and shop at 2011 D’Aguilar Hwy in D’Aguilar, west of Caboolture.

A childcare centre was already under construction on the 4083 sqm site, known as the Bells Corner community hub.

It was expected to open in coming months and would cater for up to 90 children.

There would be a total of 48 carparking spaces shared among the businesses on site.

The proposed cafe, restaurant, shop and office. Picture: City of Moreton Bay/DA Tracker

“Bells Corner will provide to the local community a combination of food and drink outlets, offices, and shops, depending on the tenants occupying the space,” the DA said.

“This new commercial amenity would establish a place for the local D’Aguilar community to gather, share conversation and participate in the local economy.

“The prime location of Bells Corner would enable the proposed commercial development to become part of the existing commercial spine of D’Aguilar that runs down the D’Aguilar Hwy.

“This spine includes prominent existing D’Aguilar commercial developments, such as the Dag Pub, Corner Store and the Service Station to the south.

“Bells Corner would attract both local visitors and travelling passers-by on the highway, creating a bustling and attractive new development.

“Furthermore, the proximity to the childcare centre would capture young families dropping children off, encouraging them to interact with both their community and the local economy.”

Artist’s impression of the project. Picture: City of Moreton Bay/DA Tracker

The proposed hours of operation would be Monday-Sunday 5am-7pm for the cafe, Monday-Sunday 7am-9pm for the restaurant and Monday-Sunday 7am-9pm for the shop and office space.

“The new development over the site ensures the retention of generous private open spaces and provides additional landscaping to compliment the childcare centre,’’ the Da said.

“It reduces the dominance of buildings and structures to reflect the detached, low density

township character.

“The proposed built form incorporates a traditional gable roof form to create a lowset building profile that is complimentary to both the childcare and surrounding residential dwellings, ensuring the retention of long distance vistas.

“Furthermore, the absence of fencing and retaining walls within the proposed development ensures minimal site disturbance, and welcomes the community into the vibrant new space.”