A developer has not given up on plans for a boutique food and retail precinct in Bokarina, despite the application being withdrawn late last year.
Prominent Sydney developer Simon Harvey, through his company Beauwave Pty Ltd, had put together plans for the final stage of the precinct known as BokBeach Corner, on Meridan Street and Nicklin Way.
The development would have included a gourmet deli, artisan coffee roaster, butcher, fresh food market, cafes and restaurants, and “hand-picked” tenants – a childcare centre and fitness facility.
A media statement on behalf of Mr Harvey and Beauwave said an application was submitted to Sunshine Coast Council for a material change of use of the site in late 2021.
The application was primarily to add the childcare component to the retail complex, which was already approved.
It said the childcare proposal was designed to meet the needs of the rapidly evolving and growing population of Bokarina and surrounds.
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The public notification period was carried out in June last year but the material change of use application that was to amend the existing development approval was withdrawn in December.
The statement said this was due to a strong objection received from a competing childcare operator.
“Because of this one objection, Sunshine Coast Council unfortunately would not support the use despite every effort made to satisfy council of the economic need for further childcare places to be made available to the growing local population,” Mr Harvey said.
“We take a very considered approach to all our developments, and whilst we are not giving up just yet on bringing a major childcare brand to Bokarina as part of our bespoke mix of tenants, we are also taking this as an opportunity to consider other alternate uses and improvements that will only enhance the BokBeach Corner amenity
“Rest assured, I have owned the site for over 20 years and am not abandoning the final stage.”
Related story: Development scrapped: future of retail precinct uncertain
Mr Harvey said he was working with his architects and town planners in readiness to resubmit a new application.
“The outpouring of concern in the local community that the DA change of use was withdrawn is evidence that the concept had strong community support and was eagerly anticipated,” he said.
“Despite this setback, we look forward to sharing further news soon on our next steps, and want to thank the community for their ongoing support and patience.”
Since completion, Stages 1 and 2 of BokBeach Corner have provided a much-needed boost to the southern end of the Sunshine Coast.
The Cellarbrations bottle shop, drive-through Banjo’s Bakery Cafe and Liberty service station started serving oceanside and lakeside suburbs, as well as commuters on the major thoroughfare, after opening during COVID in 2020.
Stage 3 was a drawn-out process as the applicant was forced to scrap plans for a rooftop bar/restaurant to reduce expected parking demands.
Mr Harvey’s vision for the site was modelled on his Gold Coast offering Capri on Via Roma.
“When we developed the Capri on Via Roma shopping centre, it was the ability to pivot, listen to the community and have a deep understanding of its needs that led to its longevity and success,” he said.
“BokBeach Corner is no different. The BeauGroup philosophy is instilled into every aspect of development. It is highly considered and we want to get it right. We want a sustainable development that looks to the evolving future needs of the local community.”
In withdrawing the development application with Sunshine Coast Council, Beauwave Pty Ltd has requested a 10 per cent refund of the application fee.
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