The owner of the last open space in Maroochydore says there has been a significant amount of interest in the landmark property.
Peter Wise is optimistic about the future of the 35-hectare site, which he put on the market almost 18 months ago.
The Wise family owned and managed the farm for generations, while urban development sprawled around it.
But Mr Wise, now in his 80s, decided last year to sell the land, while retaining four hectares to continue to produce figs and coffee.
He told Sunshine Coast News that people from around the country had inquired about the farm, which consists of two lots at 239 Wises Road.
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“There has been a great deal of interest from buyers, both local and interstate,” he said.
“All prospective buyers have been given an extensive brochure on the redevelopment potential of the property.”
Mr Wise expected the land to be built on, but he wanted it to suit the region.
“Prospective buyers will be offered the opportunity to submit their development vision and monetary purchase offer, both as important as the other,” he said.
“Future development of the site will be determined by the successful purchaser, and this is why I will determine offers based not only on monetary offers, but also development vision.
“I want to see the best outcome to complement the emerging Maroochydore regional centre.”
The land is well known and packed with history but Mr Wise said the time was right for him to hand it over.
“It was put on the market due to my age,” he said.
“No one lives forever, and I want to ensure that, in my lifetime, I will see what the property’s final redevelopment grand potential is.”
The land is zoned mainly for low- to medium-density housing.
A development approval was issued for a mix of housing and some commercial development in 2012, before an updated version of that application was lodged last year. It’s before council, and approval would allow the future owner the potential to pursue that application.
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Mr Wise said the property would be sold “after this process is complete”, which he expected to occur in early 2024.
He said last year that he supported an idea for a private Christian university put forward by UNET (University Education and Training). However, this “vision” is non-binding on the land purchaser and subject to council approval.
Mr Wise will be able to keep a close watch on the site after it’s sold and developed.
“I will be retaining four hectares of the property as a unique farm and will continue to grow figs and historic brand coffee (Mountain Gold),” he said.
“Figs are now available to purchase by the public from the farm shed, December to March.”
Wises Farm was originally serviced by an unnamed dirt track, which has since become an main road and officially named Wises Road.
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