Construction set to begin on hm.church’s lakefront facility as Bokarina developments skyrocket
A church that was meeting in a local watering hole has had its prayers answered as it breaks ground on a $3.74m facility, which is one of several developments going ahead in a fast-growing Sunshine Coast suburb.
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After years of perseverance, hm.church is set to begin construction on its long-awaited lakefront facility in Bokarina this November.
Following a ceremonial event last Sunday, construction will begin next month, marking a new chapter for the church that has been serving the Sunshine Coast community for more than two decades.
The $3.74 million project faced challenges including a lengthy approval process and rising construction costs, which led to multiple design adjustments.
“Building costs went through the roof, through the pandemic,” a church spokesman said.
He said thanks to a few key members who “contributed greatly” towards the cost, it allowed the church to secure the necessary financing and make a “significant” deposit.
The church’s journey to a permanent space is a far cry from its humble beginnings, when it regularly set up and took down its set-up in a local pub.
“The church originated a couple of decades ago by permanently bumping in and out of the Chancellor Park Tavern, their function room,” the spokesman said.
With a vision to stay rooted in the vibrant Bokarina area, where upgraded community facilities and developments enhance the surroundings, the church’s new spot across from Kawana Waters State College is designed to meet the expanding needs of its congregation and the broader community.
It will serve as a central hub for events, workshops and services while also bolstering chaplaincy support for more than 2000 students and families.
When asked about the multimillion-dollar price tag, the spokesman said the investment would have lasting benefits.
“You’ve got to do one or two things when you’re a church, you can rent or build a legacy and this building will be there for a great long period,” he said.
“For the last 20 years they’ve been bounced from pubs to school gymnasiums to a community centre.
“Having a new permanent location will allow us to serve the community seven days a week rather than just Sunday mornings, which is incredibly needed for the area and our church.”
Hm.church’s project is one of several developments underway in Bokarina.
Gardner Vaughan Group recently completed stages one and two of Zinc Bokarina, a beachfront complex featuring 84 apartments across two towers, along with eight beach houses.
Zinc boasts a podium-level pool, relaxation zones, ground-floor retail, and parking facilities, with prices ranging from $539,000 to $2.399m for the now-sold-out residences.
Stage three, comprising the beach houses, was completed in August.
In the coming months, Gardner Vaughan Group will also begin construction on its $203m Bask Bokarina development.
Set to complete in late 2026, Bask will feature two seven-storey towers, Mydas and Caretta, offering 135 apartments with expansive views of the Pacific Ocean, Lake Kawana and the Glass House Mountains.
“Bokarina is the Sunshine Coast’s hidden gem, a superior and unspoilt haven,” said Gardner Vaughan Group Director Samuel Gardner.
Bask’s one-to four-bedroom apartments are priced from $949,000, with penthouses ranging from $3.299m to $5.499m.
The project’s amenities will include a podium-level pool, gymnasium, outdoor dining areas, and yoga zones, catering to the beachside community’s needs.
As Bokarina grows, new smaller businesses are also popping up, adding to the areas appeal.
A new cafe and wine bar, Stoa Bokarina, is set to open in November 2024. As the sister cafe to One Block Back, it will offer a modern and welcoming atmosphere.
Stoa will serve seasonal dishes, great coffee, and a range of tapas, wine, and cocktails, along with live music to create a fun dining experience.
Another cafe, Coffee and Crunch, and Blair’s Wine Bar are also opening in early December, with a pop-up coffee shop already drawing in local customers.
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Originally published as Construction set to begin on hm.church’s lakefront facility as Bokarina developments skyrocket
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