An extension has been granted for operational work at a planned tourist attraction site, as prospective buyers signal their interest in purchasing the property.
Sunshine Coast Council has accepted a request from Nurrowin Pty Ltd for a two-year buffer to progress the approved resort precinct at 2562 Steve Irwin Way, Glenview.
The 25-hectare property is in prime position near the Bruce Highway and is less than 10 minutes’ drive from Australia Zoo and Aussie World.
The site has approval for the staged delivery of a masterplan consisting of 234 villas/apartments, a water park, surf pool, food and retail outlets and a sports club.
It is listed for sale.
A report by town planners Adams and Sparkes detailed why an extension was required.
“It is understood that the development approval has not yet been acted upon due to the economic climate in recent years,” it stated, before indicating that steps were being taken to further the venture.
“The applicant is in the process of finalising detailed design and has engaged with a building certifier to move the project forward and therefore wishes to keep this approval alive.”
The original development approval took effect in 2021, with further details rubber-stamped last year.
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A minor change report from council outlined why the extension was granted.
“The applicant has not been able to progress the development due to the economic climate and the effect of Covid-19,” it stated.
“The proposed extension by two years is reasonable in the circumstances because it would not cause a conflict between the current laws and policies, including with respect to infrastructure charges.
“It is also not of an age that could be detrimental to the general community awareness about development, particularly when the details of the existing approval are publicly available on council’s website.”
The operational works would include engineering, roads, landscaping, stormwater, earthworks, clearing vegetation and access and carparking.
The site was initially put on the market early last year, after Nurrowin went into administration, and then taken off the market, before being listed again late last year with Knight Frank agents Christian Sandstrom and Blake Goddard.
The property includes two lots. Lot 1 is 14 hectares and approved for 160 resort villas, retail space and water attractions. Lot 2 is 11 hectares and approved for 74 resort apartments, water tourist attractions based upon internationally proven technology, a best-in-class water park and surf pool.
Nurrowin director Brad Sutherland told Sunshine Coast News the “project was ready to build” and there was significant attention in the property from possible buyers.
“There’s a lot of interest in both lots, especially (because of) the Perfect Swell Surf Pool and 74 two and three-bedroom apartments,” he said.
“(The prospective sale is) ongoing with agents and financial advisors.”
Knight Frank’s Mr Goddard previously told SCN the property was a significant land holding.
“2652 Steve Irwin Way is a trophy asset opportunity to create a once-in-a-generation legacy project not seen since the creation of its famous neighbour Australia Zoo down the way,” he said.
“The successful purchaser can realise the maximum potential of the development approvals or alternatively develop a region-shaping product under the site’s flexible masterplan.”
