A revised development proposal is expected for a prominent vacant site after plans for a larger project failed to gain approval.
A group is preparing a low-rise mixed-use plan for a former bowls club site by Menzies Drive in Pacific Paradise, after its prior application for more than 120 units and a food and drink outlet was refused by Sunshine Coast Council in July 2025.
Padstow Holdings Pty Ltd and Sherringham Holdings Pty Ltd launched an appeal in the Planning and Environment Court in September, but the appeal was withdrawn in June following mediation.
An appellant spokesperson told Sunshine Coast News a new proposal was being developed.
“Following the productive mediation outcomes, a new development application is expected to be lodged this year on the site for a revised low-rise development proposal in line with this feedback,” they said.
“This will see the delivery of the vision for the reinvigoration of the Pacific Paradise town centre in a vibrant mixed-use outcome which will deliver much needed housing supply of high-quality and amenity.”
The spokesperson did not provide specifics, but mixed-use developments typically combine different uses on the one site, often including housing alongside retail, commercial, community or recreational spaces.
The spokesperson also detailed the history of the 12,775sqm site, which is near a retail centre, a tavern and beside main thoroughfare David Low Way.
“The site was historically used as a bowls club and was forced to close owing to financial difficulties.”
“Since 2017, we had hoped a bowling committee would form to continue the sport and lease the building, after two years rent free with a sweetheart lease the use was unfortunately no longer supported by the community.”
“After many years, frequent vandalism and complaints from residents we finally made the decision to demolish the dilapidated buildings.”
The proposal for more than 120 units and a food and drink outlet attracted opposition during the assessment process.
A council officer’s report recommended it be approved, despite it exceeding the allowable height and not being consistent with it being partially zoned for Sport and Recreation. But councillors voted against it 9 to 2. Councillor Taylor Bunnag said it was refused “on several grounds, including sport and recreation zoning and height”.
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The spokesperson said the appellant could have progressed the appeal through the courts but has “withdrawn in order to continue to work with council and the community moving forward”.
“Many locals have expressed that something needs to happen there.”
“We have always tried to work with council and the community and have followed advice and planning directions published by council.”
The spokesperson said there was a “positive and meaningful engagement process” and “we hope to invigorate the town centre in line with these new expectations”.
The aerial imagery in this story is from Australian location intelligence company Nearmap. The company provides government organisations, architectural, construction and engineering firms, and other companies, with easy, instant access to high-resolution aerial imagery, city-scale 3D content, artificial intelligence data sets, and geospatial tools to assist with urban planning, monitoring and development projects in Australia, New Zealand and North America.
