A major supermarket development that was to include a McDonald’s and homemaker centre has been scrapped for a hinterland town.
Coles has withdrawn its appeal with the Planning and Environment Court to build on a site at Beerwah.
A notice of discontinuance has been filed on behalf of Coles Group Property Developments citing rising costs as the reason behind the “regrettable” decision.
The shopping giant first lodged an application with Sunshine Coast Council in October 2019 for a material change of use for land on the corner of Roys Road and Steve Irwin Way.
It was refused in July 2021 and an appeal was lodged with the court in August 2021.
Documentation from the lawyers acting on behalf of Coles stated the reasons behind supermarket’s decision.
“Our client has been considering whether the project the subject of these appeals is feasible in light of anticipated capital costs, in the current climate of rapid construction cost escalation,” they said.
“Coles has ultimately decided not to proceed with the project.
“Coles made this decision with regret, as it considered the site was a good one, and that its prospects would otherwise have warranted proceeding.”
The documents also indicated the increased costs associated with external roadworks and a U-turn facility approved by the court last year, plus continued opposition from co-respondents Sunshine Coast Council and Village Fair – the company that owns the Beerwah Village and Beerwah Marketplace shopping complexes.
During a review on April 18 it was also mentioned the appeal hearing may be held over until 2025, due to availability constraints, and that the hearing could run for more than three weeks, further impacting Coles’ decision.
“It has accordingly been necessary for Coles to take steps to extricate itself from contractual arrangements with the landowners and McDonald’s,” the documents said.
Beerwah is already home to a Woolworths, Aldi and Fresh & Save, and two service stations.
Sunshine Coast News reached out to the Coles Group, but the company declined to comment.
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