More details about a proposed sport and recreation centre that could attract about 350,000 visitors each year have been revealed.
Plans for the facility, which would include a golf driving range, mini-golf course and padel tennis and pickleball courts, plus a bar/restaurant, escape room and function space, were lodged with Sunshine Coast Council in August.
It would be located on a rural-zoned 30-hectare site fronting David Low Way at Diddillibah, west of the Harbourside Holiday Resort and opposite Ingenia Holidays Rivershore.
In October, the council advised the applicant, Clark Enterprises No.2 Pty Ltd, that an initial assessment of the proposal had been completed and that further information was required, particularly in regards to economic need, flood risks and traffic impacts.
This week, an information response was submitted to the council on behalf of the applicants by Project Urban Pty Ltd, outlining more details about the proposed development.
An economic need and impact assessment report prepared by Location IQ for Habitat Development Group states that the predicted attendance for the centre would be about 350,000 visits annually.
“There is a committed operator for the site. The operator currently has a portfolio of 21 venues nationally and has experience in achieving positive results for the communities they operate,” it says.
“The operator is also committed to a best-in-class offer with the plan being to provide an automated driving range with the latest ball-tracking technology. This is not currently provided on the Sunshine Coast”.
The report says the site “enjoys a high-profile location as a popular tourist and sporting/recreation area” and “is easily accessible for the local population and wider region population, courtesy of the proximity to major traffic routes”.
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It cites a 2024 study that indicated about 15,000 to 19,200 vehicles per day pass the site, which equates to between 5.4 million and 7 million vehicles a year.
Parking would be provided for about 225 vehicles.
The bar/restaurant would cover 785sqm, including 244sqm indoors and 541sqm outdoors.
The total floor space of the indoor areas would be 1411sqm, which would also include the escape room (131sqm) and function space (381sqm), as well as kitchens, amenities and storage.
“Indicative sales for restaurant and bar at the site are $3 million in combination,” the report says.
The mini golf would cover 2624sqm, while the driving range would have 60 bays.
The report says demand for the facility would be driven by the region’s current population of almost 433,000 people, which is predicted to increase by 41 per cent by 2046, as well as tourists.
“Based on the projected population growth and the current provision, there will be resident implied demand for up to three new golf driving ranges and two mini-golf venues,” it says.
“Additionally, the overall entertainment per capita expenditure across the main trade area is higher (13.8 per cent) than the South-East Queensland benchmark, indicating that residents have a greater propensity to spend on entertainment.”
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The report says the development would create 326 direct and indirect jobs during construction and ongoing operation.
The application documents state that although indoor sport and recreation is an inconsistent use within the rural zone, the development would “fulfil an economic and community need for the Sunshine Coast region”.
“Ultimately the development will provide a facility that merges sports and entertainment, reflecting the growing trend of integrating entertainment elements into sporting activities to enhance the overall experience,” it says.
“‘Sportainment’ involves creating a guest experience that combines athletic competition with hospitality, technology and gamification.
“This includes offering food and beverages during events, and interactive experiences that appeal not only to dedicated sports fans but also to those who may not typically follow or participate in those sports.
“The development’s high-quality design and integration with surrounding uses ensure minimal adverse impact while providing lasting benefits to the community and local economy.”
The report says the targeted opening date is early 2027.
