Noosa Council turns retailing headache into an $85,000 annual gain for ratepayers

One of Noosa Council’s biggest commercial “headaches” looks set to be cured with a unanimous decision to sign a flagship tenancy at its Sunrise Beach shops.

Clare Stewart during her election campaign for Noosa Mayor was determined to see council find a major tenant for its Sunrise Beach shops.

One of Noosa Council's biggest commercial "headaches" looks set to be cured with a unanimous decision to sign a flagship tenancy at its Sunrise Beach shops offering an $85,000 annual return to ratepayers.

The relief of councillors was almost palpable on Monday in voting to award what will be a Belmondos-style organic markets and retail hub as the anchor tenant after the shop space sat vacant since 2018.

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Finding a major drawcard for the local convenience shopping centre was one of the first election promises made by Mayor Clare Stewart during last year's election campaign.

The marketing campaign to find a Sunrise Beach shops anchor tenant highlighted its key position next to the planned Blue Care aged care complex.

Belmondos, based in Noosaville Industrial Estate, is a retailing magnet with its organic bakery and coffee outlets a popular attraction for locals and visitors alike.

Council will now enter into final lease arrangements with Tanglewood Company Pty Ltd operated by Ryan Taylor of the highly successful Cafe Le Monde and El Capitano eateries.

Councillors were told by staff the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic last year had delayed efforts to find a drawcard tenant to replace the former FoodWorks convenience store.

The new major tenant at Sunrise Beach shops will be similar to one of Noosa's real success stories – Belmondos.

Council will enter into what staff described as a "standard" agreement for six months of rent-free occupancy after an extensive fit-out by Tanglewood with a June 1 opening in mind.

This was after centre managing agent Colliers International said Tanglewood was an "excellent fit for the Sunrise Beach shops".

Ms Stewart successfully moved the tenancy deal which will include four optional five-year lease extensions.

"I'm just excited by this prospect," she said.

"I spent a lot of time at Sunrise shops during my campaign and it's great to see the major tenant, the largest in the centre, will be such a value-add tenant to the whole precinct.

"It seems to me this tenant will be a fantastic fit."

Councillor Amelia Lorentson said it was critical that the right high-profile tenant was chosen for this site to maximise the potential of this site.

"I am extremely confident that this operator will improve the character and the prominence of this sleepy shopping village," she said.

Councillor Joe Jurisevic said the success of the new venture was set to be enhanced when the approved next door Blue Care aged care residential development opens.

Originally published as Noosa Council turns retailing headache into an $85,000 annual gain for ratepayers