100% Locally Owned, Independent and Free

100% Locally Owned, Independent and Free

New golf and recreation centre could create more than 300 jobs, report says

Do you have a news tip? Click here to send to our news team.

Fast-food outlet undergoing $1.9m renovation

A McDonald’s restaurant beside a busy main road is being upgraded, to enhance the customer experience and improve operational efficiencies. McDonald’s on Nicklin Way, Minyama, More

Hinterland over-50s village wins council nod

A well-known development company has been given approval to build a new retirement village on rural land. Stockland Halcyon has been granted a material change More

Pipeline runs dry: Coast facing office space crunch

Office space on the Sunshine Coast continues to be in short supply, according to latest figures. The vacancy rate for the Sunshine Coast market dropped More

Photo of the day: masts and nets

"A serene representation of our beautiful Mooloolah River as the sun retires for the day More nature providing gentle hues for a stunning silhouette," More

Pump track construction ramps up

A new pump track is being built at a park in the heart of the Sunshine Coast and should be ready within months. Sunshine Coast More

Man suffers serious injuries in mountain fall

A man with potentially life-threatening injuries has been airlifted to hospital after a fall at the Glass House Mountains. The Sunshine Coast-based LifeFlight aeromedical crew More

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.

A render of the front entrance. Picture: Habitat Development Group

“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”.

Do you have an opinion to share? Submit a Letter to the Editor at Sunshine Coast News via news@sunshinecoastnews.com.auYou must include your name and suburb.

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 facility would include indoor and outdoor spaces. Picture: Habitat Development Group

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.”

Want more free local news? Follow Sunshine Coast News on Facebook, LinkedIn and Instagram, and sign up for our FREE daily news email.

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.

An overview of the site plan. Picture: Bird Golf Design

“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.

Subscribe to SCN’s free daily news email

Hidden
This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.
[scn_go_back_button] Return Home
Share