Noosa developments and projects to shape the tourism hotspot in coming years
From a health hub to housing estates and a surfer-friendly holiday stay, here are the projects poised to shape the Coast’s tourism hotspot in the years to come.
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There is more to Noosa than surfing and sipping on lattes on Hastings Street - and this list of upcoming projects proves it.
The tourism mecca may have a population cap of 61,00 but that hasn't stopped some big ticket developments from being slated for the area.
From a new health precinct to housing estates and a trendy holiday stay above the surf shop, here are the projects that will shape Noosa in the years to come.
Work begins on Coast's first hotel in three decades
Noosa Health Precinct
Construction is due to start this year on Noosa's $40 million first day hospital.
Noosa Council gave the go-ahead to plans lodged by Bli Bli developer Richard Tallents in 2018 for the day surgery and medical specialist facility.
Ray White Commercial Noosa sales and leasing consultant Louise Blennerhassett said lease arrangements were being negotiated with several state and national operators.
She said it was likely the hospital would be a privately-run facility and interest was also received from radiologists, cancer care and other specialists.
The three-storey health hub would be built across two 4000sq m lots at the intersection of Hofmann Dr and Rene St.
Noosa Shire Business Centre
A new service station and "creative" community space are planned for the ongoing development for the Noosa Business Centre.
The first masterplan for the centre was prepared in the 90s and early development included Noosa Civic and the Emporium showroom.
Owner and developer Mark Stockwell of Stockwell Developments' latest proposal includes a $15 million service station and community space.
It would also result in road upgrades to extend Hofmann Dr to Walter Hay Dr.
GemLife's $130m retirement resort bid
A $130 million retirement resort with 246 residences and golf club is slated for Cooroy.
GemLife is negotiating with Noosa Shire Council for a huge resort, a new golf clubhouse, function room and redesign and upgrade of the nine-hole course.
While the project is supported by the golfing community, the council needs a little bit more convincing.
At February's council meeting the application was recommended for refusal partly because of its "significant conflict with the planning scheme".
In response, GemLife "stopped the clock" on the project.
Innovative Planning Solutions consultant James Brownsworth said GemLife would be seeking a final debate and vote at the council's March ordinary meeting.
Former Noosa Bowls Club
It remains unclear what Coles has planned for the former bowls club.
The 1.8ha site was purchased by the supermarket giant in 2011 for $4.78 million.
The former bowls club was demolished last year after concerns were raised it was being overrun by vandals.
A Coles spokesman said the company was working on plans with the council "in line with the new Noosa planning scheme".
"We will be sure to keep the community informed when we have further plans for the site," he said.
The plan has the area zoned for a major centre which would allow for a variety of uses including for business, community, cultural, entertainment, residential or retail.
Former Tewantin TAFE
The State Government is considering new uses for the former TAFE campus at Tewantin.
The 24 Cooroy Noosa Rd site has remained empty since the campus closed in 2014, eight years after opening.
Expressions of interest were requested between December and January for new uses.
A Department of Employment, Small Business and Training spokesman said the 12 applications received were being evaluated.
Some applications were for independent education and training providers and not-for-profit organisations.
One thing is for certain though, it will remain for community and educational purposes.
Noosa Trail Network
A masterplan strategy is in place to improve and upgrade more than 130km of the Noosa Trail Network.
It aims to improve and upgrade the trail network and identify areas where sustainable trails can be developed.
The trail network includes eight scenic trails and more than 130km within the Noosa Biosphere Reserve including national park, state forest, private property, parks and road reserves providing trails for walking, bike riding and horse riding.
Holiday above a surf shop
Alongside housing estates and health precincts this is one of the smaller projects but still locally significant.
Golden Breed owner Nick van de Merwe has unveiled his latest reinvention of his iconic surf shop.
Last month an application was lodged with council for a two-bedroom short stay unit above the Noosa Dr retail outlet.
His brief to local award-winning architect Andrew Bock was an old school design with a modern take including 4m-high ceilings, and a "slick" two-bedroom unit upstairs with a roof garden.
Parkridge Noosa
The third and final stage of Parkridge Noosa is expected to be completed by August 2021.
Nine townhouses and 45 units across four buildings are included in the latest stage of the project developed by Altum.
Developer Alex Rigby said the project was "meticulously" planned across 24 individual blocks.
The masterplan also includes two resident pools, a health club, gym, Fish Restaurant and parklands.
He said four of the nine terrace homes and three of the 45 apartments were still for sale.
Once finished it will have 179 residences.
All abilities playground
Aspect Contractors are building a $3.76 million all abilities playground at Cooroy with an expected December opening date.
The Maple St playground will feature a double flying-fox, climbing tower with slide, climbing structures with swings, water play area, picnic shelters and an amenities block.
As part of the development, Cooroy will also gain new carparking spaces and new public toilet facilities, which the community asked for.
Coastal hazard adaptation plan
A draft plan to guide Noosa's response to Climate Change has been released for public comment.
Council began work on the plan in 2016 with the aim for it to help the region adapt to and prepare for the potential effects of rising sea levels.
The deadline for submissions is March 8.
Doonella St residential development
Tewantin CBD could soon be home to a $10 million two-storey commercial and residential centre offering affordable unit living on Doonella St.
The developer, Doonella Street Pty Ltd, is headed by directors Dr Ali Araghi and Chris Wright.
They want to build 19 small units in Doonella St alongside commercial tenancies in an attempt to help address Noosa's severe housing shortage.
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