'Pent up' demand to drive suburb's sustained boom

An organic store and prominent high school are said to be factors in a sustained boom predicted for a Sunshine Coast suburb.

Forest Glen is set to enjoy a sustained boom, backed by recent development, says Sunshine Coast Chamber Alliance. Picture: Erle Levey

AN ORGANIC store and prominent high school are said to be factors in a sustained boom predicted for a Coast suburb.

Forest Glen, once a quiet leafy suburb, has heated up in recent weeks with a number of high-profile developments proposals.

Caloundra Chamber of Commerce president Michael Shadforth said the activity stemmed from "pent up" demand, not the suburb suddenly being discovered.

READ: Prominent developer launches major reshape for quiet suburb

Mr Shadforth said Sunshine Coast Grammar School, coupled with the Kunara Organic Marketplace, were the anchors driving the success.

"I think Forest Glen is a really interesting piece of the puzzle, because really, it becomes such a central hub for the Coast," Mr Shadforth said.

"It has access to the Bruce Highway and Mons Rd which it can thrive on, there's a really good dynamic.

Kunara Organic Marketplace has contributed to Forest Glen's recent success. Owner David Hardy is pictured.

"Kunara is so unique too, it's like a drawcard. So many people go to Forest Glen because of it, it became a hierarchy of need.

"The highway access is only going to get better with the proposed interchange. Its time is coming."

READ: Grand plans: Major development to suit booming suburb

Earlier this month a multi-use shopping centre precinct, complete with retail and food and drink outlets, was proposed for Mons Rd.

Plans for a separate "boutique" 24-hour gym on Sandlewood Rd, have also been lodged.

It will comprise of a high performance sports training and skills development centre and gym.

Developer Tony Riddle has big plans for a shopping precinct at Mons Road. Picture: John McCutcheon

A retirement village proposal is also with Sunshine Coast Council.

Mr Shadforth said from a commercial real estate perspective, it was business, not residential housing that was the main driver.

"That green belt feel right up to the top of Buderim hills, that's a beautiful natural environment, and there's no doubt Forest Glen is taking advantage of that," he said.

"You still get that leafy feel like you're part of Buderim."

WANT MORE VALUE FROM YOUR DIGITAL SUBSCRIPTION? JOIN OUR EXCLUSIVE FACEBOOK GROUP HERE

Originally published as 'Pent up' demand to drive suburb's sustained boom