A proposal for a three-tower, 12-level mixed-use development on the main street of a beachside town have been revealed.
The proposed complex would occupy a 3640sqm site at 126-140 Bulcock Street, Caloundra, and reach a height of 40 metres.
It would be developed in two stages and include a total of 74 residential apartments in towers one and three, 81 short-term accommodation units in tower two, plus 787sqm of retail and food and drink outlets.
Communal recreation facilities would comprise an outdoor pool, pool deck, sun lounges and barbecue area, plus an indoor gym, lounge and spa for short-term accommodation guests, with a second pool and barbecue area for residents.
A town planning report prepared by Adams and Sparkes on behalf of applicant RCQ Caloundra No.2 Pty Ltd outlines more details around the proposal.
“The proposed mixed-use development on Bulcock Street, Caloundra, adopts a context-sensitive mixed-use precinct that supports residential and civic functions, reinforcing the site’s role within Caloundra’s evolving town centre and aligning with strategic planning goals,” it says.
“The ground plane is designed to prioritise pedestrian movement and features landscaped plazas, active laneways and seating zones. These elements enhance walkability, social interaction and connectivity across the site, contributing to a vibrant public realm.
“Three slender residential towers are strategically positioned to optimise solar access, cross-ventilation and view corridors.
“Resort-style facilities including pools, wellness areas, function rooms and communal gardens deliver high-quality amenity. These shared spaces promote active lifestyles, community engagement and resident wellbeing, supporting long-term social sustainability and elevating the liveability of the precinct.”
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Towers one and two would be delivered in stage one of the project, which includes basement and level one parking; a ground-floor food and drink outlet, shop and hotel lobby; and communal recreation facilities on level two for hotel guests.
Tower one would comprise 42 one, two and three-bedroom residential units, while tower two would be the 81 short-stay units, with a variety of studio and one and two-bedroom configurations.
Tower three forms stage two of the project and would include 32 two and three-bedroom residential units plus car parking; a ground-level shop and lobby; and a pool and barbecue area on level two for residents.
“The proposal is intended to comprise more than 50 per cent luxury hotel rooms at four-star (or equivalent) rating,” the planning report states. “This will be formalised through an infrastructure agreement between the applicant and council prior to any development approval being given.”
A traffic report by Pekol Traffic and Transport says the development provides 197 car parking spaces, short of the required 220 spaces.
The planning reports states site cover, setbacks and the separation between the towers would also fall short of requirements.
“The towers have a 9.9m separation wall to wall (short of the 12m required), with small balcony elements and feature blade screening elements projecting within this separation to provide articulation and weather protection,” it says.
“This separation, coupled with feature screening elements, will ensure privacy between units is maintained.”
The site is in the Major Centre Zone under the Sunshine Coast Planning Scheme.
It has frontages of about 90m to Bulcock Street and Maloja Avenue and is currently occupied by one and two-storey commercial buildings comprising a gym, cafe, florist, real estate agency and other small-scale shops and offices.
“A civic plaza space has been provided at street level at the entrance to the pedestrian through-link as suggested by council,” the planning report says.
“This space integrates seamlessly with the Bulcock Street footpath and provides seating and landscaping to form an inviting entry into the building and its active street front retail and restaurant land uses.”
The application is subject to code assessment.
RCQ, which was founded on the Sunshine Coast in 1987, is also the name behind projects including the under-construction BIANCO at Caloundra, the Plaza Central residential development next to Sunshine Plaza, and luxury apartment complex One The Esplanade in Cotton Tree.
