Popular Sunshine Coast fun park may sell for units

THE owner of a popular Sunshine Coast adventure park whose site has been listed for sale hopes a bigger and better fun park will be built under new landlords.

THE owner of a popular Sunshine Coast adventure park whose site has been listed for sale hopes a bigger and better fun park will be built under new landlords. 

Even if the site it was sold for residential development, Top Shots Fun Park would remain open "into next year", Top Shots owner Barry Higgins said.

Mr Higgins first opened the gates to the theme park 15 years ago, and said he has known for the past year that his landlords intended to sell.

"It could end up bigger and better," Mr Higgins said. "That would be ideal."

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If a major investor was found, Top Shots could be grown into a world class theme park, with a variety of newer activities and a bigger operation, Mr Higgins said.

"You'd need to have a major entertainment business come on board to inject millions into making it bigger and better rather than a residential development," he said.

"I just think there's a need for a good, centrally-located family entertainment centre." 

Mr Higgins said he knew the site was very valuable, being one of the highest points in the Maroochdyore area and close to the new Maroochydore CBD.

"They (the owners) did approach me a short time ago to say that (sale of the land) was their intention," he said.

Mr Higgins said he hoped to negotiate a new lease with a different landlord, and if redevelopment for residential uses was planned, he hoped it would happen slowly.

"If they did it (develop the land for residential use) progressively the park could stay there for some time, but if they didn't the park would have to be demolished."

Mr Higgins said he had not had Top Shots' rides and activities valued but if he had to sell, he would likely put them out to tender.

But on Wednesday, closure was the farthest thing from his mind as the screams and laughter of children enjoying school holidays rang through the air.

"Business is good," he said.

"Winter's still good for us, because we don't have the beach to compete with, as much in winter."

A Sunshine Coast Council spokesman has confirmed that a 'material change in use' application to allow 68 residential units at the site presently occupied by Top Shots Fun Park was approved in September 2014. 

No development applications were now being assessed for the site, the spokesman said. 

Holiday Fun at Top Shots Fun Park Jake Herden Photo: Warren Lynam / Sunshine Coast Daily. Picture: Warren Lynam

EARLIER: Iconic Sunshine Coast fun park may sell for units

A POPULAR Sunshine Coast adventure park has been listed for sale, and will likely be demolished for residential units.

Located near the corner of Maroochydore Rd and Sunshine Mwy, the 9934sq m Top Shots Fun Park property is now for sale by real estate giant CBRE.

Top Shots has been a favourite holiday destination Sunshine Coasters and visitors alike, whether the kids are screaming for mini golf, a waterslide, 'extreme trampoline', rock climbing or other activities.

Under the sale offer, the Top Shots property could be transformed into a new housing development, as it already holds development approval for 68 residential units, CBRE's statement says.

"The site has holding income until 31 January 2017 and an attractive outlook across a man-made lake," said marketing agents Jason O'Meara and Scott Gardiner, of Savills, in conjunction with Glen Grimish and Rem Rafter from CBRE.

"The proposed plans provide for three detached buildings offering units with 1, 2 and 3 bedroom formats with a deck area.

"The units will offer an internal area from 60sqm up to 113sqm, with deck areas from 15sqm up to 28sqm.

"Located on the western fringe of Maroochydore, which is experiencing a rapid growth phase as the result of on-going projects such as Sunshine Cove and the proposed re-development of the former Horton Park Golf Course precinct (known as SunCentral), the selling agents expect there will be strong demand for this style of residential complex offering."

Expressions of interest for the property close on Thursday, August 11.

Interested parties should contact either CBRE or Savills.

The Daily is seeking an interview with owner of Top Shots. Updates to follow.

Originally published as Popular Sunshine Coast fun park may sell for units