Plans for a $700,000 expansion of a new IGA destined for Sunrise Beach have been put on hold because of uncertain economic times.

But the shop earmarked for the council-owned Sunrise Beach Shopping Centre will still go ahead at the current size.

Noosa Council revised plans to expand the site from 305sqm to 500sqm at the request of the prospective new tenant and because of the economy.

Council’s property manager Clint Irwin said the new tenant remained committed to delivering a quality IGA store.

“In these uncertain times, we agreed that utilising the existing space would be more beneficial for both parties at this moment,” Mr Irwin said.

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In October last year, councillors had initially supported a $700,000 expansion to the vacant site.

This revised lease means council will put on hold any significant capital expenditure to a later date.

Mr Irwin said the current 305sqm space would adequately service the local area.

“The IGA tenant is excited about providing a quality, affordable retail offering to local residents and will start work on fitting out the space shortly,” he said.

The tenancy is for 10 years, with a further five-year option.

Mayor Clare Stewart said the lease changes were understandable in these challenging times.

“Given the ongoing uncertainty with COVID and its impact on businesses, I can certainly appreciate the difficulty all business operators are facing.

“This is still a great result for the local community and a real credit to the IGA operator that will provide a return for ratepayers,” she said.