Plans have been lodged for a major mixed-use redevelopment of a high-profile central Coast site.
Sunshine Coast developer Devcon Property Group has submitted an application to Sunshine Coast Council for 41-43 Aerodrome Road, Maroochydore – widely known as the former home to one of Australia’s last Sizzler restaurants.
The proposal includes two integrated 12-storey buildings featuring 165 residential and short-term accommodation units, along with food and drink outlets, communal recreation areas, landscaped terraces and a resort-style pool area.
Planning documents show the project would be delivered in two stages, with the first stage comprising 75 apartments while retaining the existing commercial building for use as a real estate office.
The second stage would involve demolition of that building to make way for a further 90 apartments and ground-floor commercial spaces aimed at “activating Aerodrome Road”.
Designed by Sunshine Coast architectural firm Blackburne Jackson, the project includes 20 one-bedroom apartments, 141 two-bedroom apartments and four three-bedroom apartments.
Parking is proposed across basement, ground and podium levels, with 286 car parks, 18 motorcycle spaces and bicycle parking facilities.
The planning report states the development adopts a “contemporary architectural response appropriate to Maroochydore’s emerging urban context”, with a podium-and-tower configuration designed to “reduce perceived bulk” and maintain a “slender tower form above”.
“At podium level, the design achieves a human-scale interface to surrounding streets through active frontages, clearly defined entry statements and integrated landscaping. Above the podium, the towers incorporate articulation through varied building planes, balconies and changes in materiality and colour, reducing visual bulk and improving amenity,” the planning report reads.
“A high-quality palette of materials, including glazing, lightweight cladding and textured elements, reinforces a contemporary coastal character. The design maximises outlook, natural light and cross-ventilation, with the majority of units oriented to capture views and prevailing breezes.”
Landscape concept plans included in the application outline a resort-style design approach featuring rooftop and podium greenery, tropical planting, pool cabanas and communal terraces. Balcony gardens and cascading greenery are proposed to create a “green fringe” across parts of the development.
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Traffic noise assessments lodged with the application also reveal acoustic treatments may be required for balconies facing Aerodrome Road due to projected future traffic volumes along the state-controlled road.
As reported by Sunshine Coast News in September, Devcon Property Group acquired the 4178sqm beachside site for $12 million, with the property carrying a maximum building height of 37.5 metres under the current planning scheme.
At the time, Devcon Property Group managing director Michael Kain said the acquisition was a strategic move, with the company attracted to the site’s location and redevelopment potential.
“We’re excited about the possibilities this site, in one of the Sunshine Coast’s most iconic beachside communities, offers for a broad range of development outcomes,” he said.
“Its location, ocean-view potential and proximity to the Maroochydore CBD and beach make it an outstanding development prospect.”
The proposal also includes reconfiguring the site from one lot into two lots to support the staged development.
The planning report describes the property as occupying a “gateway location” on a major entrance corridor into Maroochydore and says the development is intended to contribute to the area’s “emerging urban character”.
The proposal is code assessable and will not require public notification.
The application was lodged on May 6 through planning consultancy Project Urban on behalf of Devcon Capital 16 Pty Ltd and is now under assessment by Sunshine Coast Council.
