A popular cafe is preparing to close ahead of a redevelopment of the site into a childcare centre, which was initially rejected by the council but approved on appeal.
Little Sister Eatery at 36-38 Landsborough Parade, Golden Beach, will have its last day of trade tomorrow, with a double-storey childcare facility catering for up to 108 children set to take its place.
The proposal by Bridgeman Enterprises Pty Ltd was initially rejected by Sunshine Coast Council but the Planning and Environment Court ruled on August 5 that the development could proceed.
The site was already approved for a mixed-use development of 15 units and up to four commercial tenancies, but the applicant reconsidered the original approval for commercial and feasibility reasons.
Cafe owner Esther Bundellu told Sunshine Coast News its closure had been expected but it was still difficult to say goodbye.
“It’s a sad week for us here. We did always know the site would be redeveloped – and our time here was extended several times so we’re really grateful for the time we’ve had,” she said.
“The community is amazing. We adore Golden Beach.”
In a post to social media, the cafe said all sales from Sunday’s trade were going to its team members.
“They have made the past three years here so incredibly special,” it said.
“I felt like we won the lotto when each of these darlings have come into our lives. They have made this place feel like a home for so many of you and I think that this is a wonderful way that we can show them just how much they matter.”
Bridgeman Enterprises development manager Chris Ferraro said the site’s transformation would address a critical community need.
“It’s a key site there and we’ve always made our intention clear to the tenants regarding redevelopment. That’s why the lease was structured to run only until the end of this year,” he told SCN.
“While it’s sad to see the cafe tenants leave, they may find another space nearby.
“We’re introducing a new use that meets a high need, given the significant shortage of childcare in the area, and we hope the existing and surrounding businesses will benefit from it as well.”
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The initial application for the childcare centre was made in June 2024. In late October the council refused the application for various reasons, including that it was not small scale; did not reflect the existing setting; was not of a high design standard; did not ensure there was no loss of amenity for surrounding residential uses, particularly through noise; and did not have sufficient parking or landscaping.
Bridgeman Enterprises launched its Planning and Environment Court appeal in November, with documents arguing the project was “small scale in nature”; would complement nearby high-rise buildings; was consistent with Golden Beach’s character; and would avoid residential amenity impacts.
The ruling delivered by Judge Nicole Kefford on August 5 did not elaborate on the reasons for overturning the council’s rejection.
“The court ordered that the appeal be allowed and the development application as changed by the order of the court be approved subject to conditions,” the judgement said.
Divisional councillor Terry Landsberg also posted to social media about the decision.
“Council originally refused the development application for a childcare centre at 36-38 Landsborough Parade, Golden Beach, due to concerns raised by the community, particularly around traffic congestion and car parking,” he said.
“However, the developers appealed this decision in the Planning and Environment Court. On August 5, the court issued its judgement approving the development.
“I understand this decision may not be well received by many in our community. Please know that your concerns were heard and understood, and they were central to council’s original refusal.”
It is understood the childcare would be operated by Green Leaves, which has a waiting list at its nearby Pelican Waters centre.
“We’re planning a high-quality facility delivered through an existing local operator who is already at capacity,” Mr Ferraro said.
“There’s strong demand and very few available sites, so we’re confident a high-quality childcare centre will work well. We also hope surrounding businesses that complement what we’re doing can benefit.”
He said he was hopeful site works could commence before the end of the year, subject to further approvals, with a potential opening in early to mid-2027, depending on factors such as weather.
Little Sister was operated by Ms Bundellu and her husband Scott Newman, who are also behind The Pocket Espresso Bar at Moffat Beach. They have previously said they were hopeful of reopening in a new venue and “open to opportunities”.
“As we prepare to say goodbye, we want to share our heartfelt thanks so everyone that has welcomed us so warmly,” the cafe posted to social media in July.
“Golden Beach holds a very special place in our hearts. We wish we could stay forever and please know that we’ll be keeping our eye open for a new home hopefully somewhere close by.
“We’ll be keeping you posted every step of the way as we say ‘see you later’ to what has been the happiest little home here.”
