Questions surround future of CURA’s Paloma Paloma, Caloundra development

Residents are frustrated work on a controversial Caloundra site has not begun, despite initial scheduling suggesting construction was due to start more than six months ago.

Renders of the $250m Paloma Paloma project at Caloundra reveal a glimpse inside the commercial, residential and hotel precinct.

A $250m project in Caloundra is yet to get off the ground despite significant hype about the apartment proposal.

Work on the development, Paloma Paloma, was initially scheduled to start in mid-2022, however the block on Bulcock St remains untouched.

Development company CURA announced the high-end project in February 2022 with plans detailing two towers, one for residential units and another for short term stays.

The delay in construction has angered some Caloundra residents as the buildings set to be demolished remain coated in neon paint used initially to spark community interest.

A world class $250m dollar hotel and residential development that would transform Caloundra and the Sunshine Coast has yet to start construction. Picture: Supplied

Caloundra resident Gayle Murphy said she was frustrated work hadn’t started on the brightly coloured site, adding she thought it was an eyesore in the community.

“(They) intentionally chose the most nauseating colour for the rest of the development block to draw attention and cause controversy,” Ms Murphy said.

“That may have been acceptable to the town when the initial feedback was it was all being bulldozed a few months later, supposedly last August, now we are stuck with an orange eyesore indefinitely.

“It’s such a shame having it like that when our rates have paid millions on paving and trees to beautify Bulcock.”

The site at Bulcock St remains coated in neon paint. Picture: Supplied

The sale of the units in the proposed development are currently being facilitated by Place Projects.

Place Projects declined to provide a comment on the progress of Paloma Paloma.

Sunshine Coast Council records show the Paloma Paloma application was previously extended to February 9, before being granted a more recent extension to May 5 when the council failed to receive a reply to “outstanding issues” with the proposal.

A Sunshine Coast Council spokesman said they were waiting on the applicant.

“Council is waiting on the applicant to provide some additional information before the application can be determined,” he said.

CURA has been contacted for comment.

Originally published as Questions surround future of CURA’s Paloma Paloma, Caloundra development