The erection of temporary fencing on land earmarked for a high-performance sport and community hub has aroused curiosity at Bokarina Beach.
Residents within the Stockland development have speculated that work is due to start on the hub, while others have wondered if it heralds the arrival of a sales office.
In November 2020, the Sunshine Coast Council announced it had given approval for an integrated, multi-purpose facility, the Sunny Coast Shred Factory, on the Bombora Drive land.
The announcement said the development would include an indoor swimming pool, indoor and outdoor skate parks, dance and yoga studios, a gym, sports-related healthcare services, offices and a cafe.
But the temporary fencing has nothing to do with the Shred Factory and more to do with units being built across the road.
Stockland has sold the land, which is now owned by Lot 912 Bokarina Pty Ltd, a company owned by Clayton and Leah Williams and Shane O’Brien.
Mr Williams, through Raw Property Group, is a part-owner of the Duporth Tavern, Maroochydore, as is former Sunshine Coast mayor Mark Jamieson, through MKRD Projects, while Mr O’Brien is the founder of Vantage Homes.
Mr O’Brien’s only comment was that he and his business partners were simply allowing the land to be used for parking while nearby units were under construction and the fencing was added security.
“All we’re doing is letting it be used to be as a car park while we work out what we’re going to do with it,” he said.
The council acknowledged there was nothing yet happening with the site apart from temporary parking.
“The Shred Factory at Bokarina was approved by Sunshine Coast Council on November 23, 2020. It comprised a range of uses from commercial, retail, sports-related training and healthcare services, skate park and indoor pool,” a council spokesperson said.
“To date the applicant has not progressed with finalising all required development permits to authorise construction to start.
“Current activity on the site is in relation to creating a temporary car park to support construction vehicles associated with construction activities within the broader Bokarina precinct.”
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