A Development Application is set to be lodged with Sunshine Coast Council to create  a quality cultural, commercial and residential hub on Caloundra’s Bulcock Street. 

This includes a mixed-use development comprising a 4 star hotel with 77 suites and 119 short-term and permanent residential apartments alongside retail, dining and community spaces.

At a glance:

• A Development Application is set to be lodged with Sunshine Coast Council for a mixed use project, SEA Caloundra, on Caloundra's Bulcock Street.
• The project will comprise a 4 star hotel with 77 suites, 119 short-term and permanent residential apartments alongside retail, dining and community spaces.
• The applicant, Caloundra Central Pty Ltd, said this project is in keeping with the Sunshine Coast Council’s vision to rejuvenate Bulcock Street and redevelop the city centre.

The mixed use project, SEA Caloundra is located at the top of Bulcock Street bordering Canberra Terrace and Knox Avenue on a 5,289m2 site at the eastern gateway to Caloundra’s CBD.

SEA Caloundra swimming pool

The applicant for the project is Caloundra Central Pty  Ltd, a long term property owner of 11 years in Bulcock Street. The company represents investors experienced in property development both on the Sunshine Coast and overseas.

Company spokesperson Syd Walker of Place Property said the applicants are committed to the rejuvenation of Bulcock Street, while maintaining Caloundra’s warm and welcoming community so that Caloundra can continue to create fond memories for locals, visitors and holiday makers.

“This is very much in keeping with Sunshine Coast Council’s recent planning scheme amendment to facilitate the implementation of the Caloundra Centre master plan’s vision to activate a strong mix of commercial, tourist, community, sport, education and living opportunities in Caloundra."

“Council have stated that the master plan seeks to capitalise on opportunities to redevelop the city centre, attract new businesses, increase residential and visitor accommodation and improve vehicle and pedestrian access,” Mr Walker said.

Mr Walker said the project is expected to generate $347.4 million during the construction phase and when completed, an extra $73.7 million will be injected into the local economy annually. This includes the creation of  171 full time equivalent jobs during construction and 261 full time jobs when operational.

“This is such a wonderful site to create a landmark project which will strengthen the links between the somewhat disconnected rise of the CBD and Kings Beach with a contemporary, modern coastal design that incorporates environmentally conscious consideration of the local climate and site."

“We’ve consulted heavily with a number of key stakeholders to determine what is needed for the area and local architecture firm OGE Architects have been engaged  to design a project which takes full advantage of the elevated site that boasts panoramic 360-degree views of stunning coastline and the hinterland."

“The amazing natural context of the site allows for vibrant, alfresco, dining opportunities which are the mainstay of landmark coastal destinations across the globe. It will also enhance the active entertainment culture of Caloundra with the nearby Regional Art Gallery, dining strips, markets and regular music festivals."

“It’s all designed to be the springboard for an exciting new chapter for Caloundra,” said Mr Walker.

Caloundra Chamber of Commerce President, Michael Shadforth said the development is the dawn of an exciting new era which would change the perception not only of Bulcock Street but the entire southern end of the Sunshine Coast.

“We’ve been eagerly anticipating a project like this in Caloundra for quite some time. We love everything about it including the design, with its seamless link to healthy living, speciality shopping, entertainment and recreation spaces. This not only provides for exceptional public outcomes including major employment opportunities, but will also be a driver for increased visitation to the area with the first fully integrated 4 star holiday accommodation in Caloundra in well over a decade,” said Mr Shadforth.

CEO of Visit Sunshine Coast, Simon Latchford welcomed the prospect of more high quality tourism accommodation in and around Caloundra.

“Caloundra has exceptional potential for growth from both the leisure and conference/incentive markets, and it is important that the region continually refreshes its accommodation stock with high quality projects if we are to maintain and grow our current record visitor numbers,” said Mr Latchford.

“With the completion of extensive renovations to the Caloundra Events Centre this year, the demand for short stay accommodation, particularly during major events, has increased significantly. SEA Caloundra’s location, just 600 metres from the Events Centre, could provide a major boost to growing the high-yielding business events sector."

“The opening of the new runway at Sunshine Coast Airport in late 2020 will have a long-term impact on the region’s business and tourism markets, and it makes the development of a range of quality new accommodation even more imperative.”

Click here for more information on the SEA Caloundra Project

See also:

Overseas visitors spend big as Sunshine Coast’s international tourism figures grow to record levels

New Qantas service connects Sunshine Coast to the worldSunshine Coast Airport Master Plan 2040 unveils visionary future for the airport

Sunshine Coast Airport Master Plan 2040 unveils visionary future for the airport