A prominent hospitality group is seeking approval to introduce 32 cabins on vacant land next to an established Sunshine Coast hotel.
The proposal would see the 27sqm modular cabins added as short-term accommodation at the Currimundi Hotel, which is operated by Australian Venue Co.
A pool, jumping pillow and recreation zone would also be provided within the development, which would occupy a 2929sqm part of the total 1.5-hectare hotel site at 32 Buderim Street, Battery Hill.
A town planning report submitted to Sunshine Coast Council by Urbis on behalf of Queensland Venue Co says the site is part of the Local Centre Zone within the Sunshine Coast Planning Scheme.
“The development is ideally suited to the unique context of the area, occupying a highly accessible and prominent site that meets the objectives of the zone code,” it states.
“The proposed development extends the existing accommodation facilities at the Currimundi Hotel, enhancing the site’s overall functionality.
“The proposal represents an efficient use of available land, contributing to the consolidation of the built form within the streetscape.
“Council has expressed in-principle support for the development proposal during pre-lodgement discussions, and their recommendations have been thoughtfully integrated into the design concept.”
The proposed development would have 32 car parking spaces, of which five spaces would be from the existing parking supply for the hotel, which has 172 spaces.
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No changes to existing access points on Buderim Street are proposed and access to the new units would be from the existing hotel car park.
“The development is expected to generate an additional nine vehicle trips per hour during peak times,” the report says.
“This represents a minimal increase in peak hour traffic on Buderim Street, which is unlikely to impact the wider transport network significantly.”
The hotel itself was built in the early 1980s and already has 26 short-stay rooms. It is next door to the Pacific Haven Convenience Centre and opposite Coondibah Reserve, a 21-hectare conservation and recreation area that is home to the Sunshine Coast Recreation Precinct.
The planning report notes that the proposed development does not provide the required 6m setback to the front boundary.
“The proposed setback of 3.5m to the front boundary is sufficient to ensure that the development does not encroach on neighbouring properties and maintains a comfortable separation,” it says.
“The Pacific Haven Convenience Centre, located on the adjoining property to the south-east, does not contain any sensitive activities that will be impacted by the reduced setback.”
AVC operates more than 200 venues in Australia and employs more than 8300 people.
On the Sunshine Coast, it owns the Kings Beach Tavern, Chancellors Tavern at Sippy Downs, Sands Tavern at Maroochydore, Surfair Beach Hotel at Marcoola and the Royal Mail Hotel at Tewantin, which is currently undergoing renovations.
AVC has been controlled by PAG Private Equity since 2023. It is understood AVC owns half of Queensland Venue Company, along with supermarket giant Coles.
The material change of use application was submitted on May 30 and is code assessable.
