The director of a development group admits he’s reluctant to demolish an iconic beach house for an apartment complex but says if they don’t do it someone else will.
Sunshine Coast-based NeuBau Group purchased 250 Alexandra Parade last month, which is subject to settlement, with the intention of building a four-storey complex there.
The 908sqm property is in prime position near the point of Alexandra Headland.
The home on it is a 1960s three-bedroom fibro beach shack known as ‘Bunya Bunya’ and is one of the last shoreline houses in the area. It’s also likely the oldest.
But after being held by the same family for about six decades and rented to a well-known local for the past 32 years, it’s set to change hands.
NeuBau Group director Tim Reed said he was mindful of the house’s reputation and its long-term tenant, but he felt compelled to act before another developer did.
“Growing up here and surfing across the road, of course there will be a sense of nostalgia when it comes to the removal of the house,” he said.
“I would honestly be lying if I said a part of me doesn’t want to remove the house but if we don’t or didn’t, someone else would, so we have worked hard to secure it.”
Mr Reed said the current resident would be looked after.
“We will accommodate the tenant wherever we can and (we) have met with him to reiterate this,” he said.
“He didn’t appear to sweat the small stuff and knew the site would be developed one day.
“I believe it is the tenant’s intention to move into a retirement village.
“We have told him he can stay there as long as possible. This will include a fair period after the expiration of his lease term.”
The settlement date is August 18, and the development application is before Sunshine Coast Council.
The complex would include four four-bedroom apartments, at a height no greater than 12m.
Mr Reed said it is one of the best sites in the region, across the road from a renowned beach and surf break.
“I have always had a love affair with the location,” he said.
“In relation to it as a development site, its aspect and proximity to the ocean really speak for itself.
“The units’ main features are their location but on top of this we aim to finish the product with a schedule of inclusions not before used in a mixed-use complex on the Coast. The little things will matter most.”
Mr Reed said they hoped to start construction early next year and be finished by Christmas.
