$6.3m plans lodged for nature-based cabins to be built at the Big Banana
A DA has been lodged for 40 new natured-based cabins to be built on site, marking another step forward in the tourist icon’s 20-year expansion plans.
Coffs Harbour
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The Big Banana’s vision to get even bigger is another step closer to fruition, with $50m expansion plans for the fun park forging ahead.
A development application has been submitted to Coffs Harbour City Council for 40 new nature-based cabins, marking the first time the Coffs Harbour tourist icon would have accommodation available on site.
The self-contained cabins – costing around $6.3m to build – would be perched on a hill that currently remains undeveloped at the property, offering coastal views for holiday makers.
Big Banana General Manager Michael Lockman previously told The Advocate the cabins, which will be built across two stages, are anticipated to be finished by 2023.
Mr Lockman said a multistorey resort was also on the cards, but this would be towards the “tail end” of development plans.
“We get a lot of people calling in and asking if they can book a room for a night,” he said.
“There’s not a long of fun parks in Australia where you can actually stay on site.”
It’s planned that a mix of studio, one-bedroom and two-bedroom cabins will be built on the land, requiring the demolition of the nearby disused monorail track.
These plans come as part of the Big Banana’s new 20-year master plan which was unveiled just before Christmas, on the Coffs icon’s 56th birthday.
The masterplan sets out a vision for several other new attractions to be built on site by 2040, including a new brewery and restaurant, and a coaster ride. But the first project to be tackled, pending DA approval, is the water park expansion.
The cabins mark the second development application to be lodged within a matter of weeks, with planners for the fun park having recently submitted the DA for the $2m water park expansion.
These works would include a new duelling raft ride as well as a wading pool for younger children.
Owners of the Big Banana, Villa Building Co, are also now on the search for a Development Manager to drive the expansion, and to progress the planning and approvals for later phases of the master plan.
The Big Banana has come a long way from its humble beginnings – with the assistance of a local engineer and builder, it was first opened by Californian expat and banana grower John Landi in 1964 in a bid to draw attention to his roadside banana stall.
Over the years it has undergone a massive evolution, transitioning into an amusement park and becoming one of the biggest between Sydney and the Gold Coast.
The DA for both the cabins and the water park expansion are currently under review by Council and are pending approval.
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