Insights from RG Strategic
Lapsed Development Approval No Barrier to Unique Coolum Project
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Posted September 27, 2021
Projects, Town Planning
When Coolum Beach Developments (CBD) acquired the lot at 2 Junction Drive, Coolum Beach, it came with a lapsed development application from the previous developer.
And while CBD had no intention of following the previously approved plans, they also wanted to progress the development as quickly as possible to reduce holding costs.
RG Strategic was retained as the town planner for the Coolum development and went to work reviewing the previous approval and new plans.
The new owner’s concept provided for a unique commercial development focusing on amenity and design.
They wanted to provide innovative and versatile workspaces married with a contemporary design style.
Using only 45% site coverage, CBD and architects Zest Design incorporated:
- Ten medium-sized warehouse units, all with mezzanine office spaces
- A “market shop” style unit with outdoor seating available
- A showroom with suspended slab mezzanine and complete street frontage; and
- A unique, industrial-style caretakers townhouse.
Sunshine Coast Regional Council (SCRC) had deemed that the approval had lapsed but the team at RG reviewed the progress that had taken place on the previous development application and noted that it was well-progressed. This allowed RG Strategic to make representations to SCRC to have the Change Application that was lodged to be accepted. The Change Application sought approval for just the new changes proposed by the CBD design. These changes included:
- Modifying two large tenancies to 11 mid-size tenancies including mezzanines
- New carpark and driveway layouts
- Improved architectural’s and design palette
Using the strategy developed by RG where the application was able to be assessed as a combined MCU and OPW Change application, CBD saved weeks if not months in approval delays and meant they could progress the development faster and reduce holding costs.
Perfectly positioned, the development is at the entry of an up and coming industrial estate, which provides excellent exposure and easy access to the estate’s water park, indoor skatepark and coffee roasters, plus it’s just moments from major arterial roads.
The Junction Coolum construction commenced in September, with Sunshine Coast award-winning commercial builders Build4U taking the reins delivering this project.
Construction includes:
The Units
- Medium-sized warehouse units
- Includes council approved mezzanine office spaces
- Ideal fit for tradies, small businesses or secure storage options
The Market Shop
- Great opportunity for a brewery
- Organic food market-style setup with outdoor seating area
- Off-street parking
The Showroom
- Partial suspended slab mezzanine
- Premium lot with complete street frontage
- Limited fit-out options available
- Off-street parking
The Caretaker
- Industrial style townhouse
- Private courtyard and balcony
- Off-street parking
Eliminate development delays
Talk to project town planners for RG Strategic today to ensure your development project progresses quickly, reducing costs and increasing your return on investment.
My partner and I own a Fitness Centre on the Northside of Brisbane City. As we are young business owners in the fitness industry, we were unaware of Brisbane City Councils zoning & change of use requirements. In the very early stages of our business, we were notified by the BCC that we needed town planning approval to continue trading in our location, and originally it looked as if our young gym was going to be forced to close. After contacting Russell at RG Strategic, our minds and stresses were immediately put at ease. We trusted that he would find a way to make it work for us, and through his amazing knowledge of Town Planning and development application needs, he was able to secure a permanent town planning approval for our location. We cannot recommend his services enough! Throughout the whole process, RG Strategic has handled our case with the utmost care and communication, so that we were able to continue to focus on building our business, whilst they attended to the needed requirements of the development application and subsequent town planning approval. We have managed to stay stress-free and cannot thank RG Strategic enough!
Josiah de Weger
HIIT Station - Geebung
I've engaged Russell from RG Strategic to assist with Development Approval for 3 projects and it has helped me increase the speed of approval while delivering overall cost savings. Russell has vast experience navigating Town Planning in Noosa and whether you need help with a Development Application for a commercial or residential building through to the complexities of Food Standards Approvals he will be able to assist. His fee structure is transparent and predictable and his advice is always spot on.
Doug Simon
Noosa
We worked with Russell and the team for licensing of our food manufacturing premises. They were so great and easy to work with - nothing about the process was stressful and they guided us through each step of the way. We'd definitely recommend working with RG Strategic!
Mary Valley Food Co
Amamoor
When we made the decision to re-launch the Noosa Enduro, Russell and his team at RG Strategic was the first phone call we made. Russell's immense knowledge of the local council landscape and processes were vital to our event to ensure correct planning, applications and permits were in place. The professionalism shown throughout all of our high level dealings and documents elevated our event and helped provide confidence to all key stakeholders. I'm thrilled we made the decision to engage Russell and the team at RG Strategic and I will remain a client for many years to come.
Matt Wilson
Noosa Enduro - Sunshine Coast