A development application has been submitted for an 87-bed hostel on one of the Sunshine Coast’s main hospitality streets.
The proposed hostel will reuse the existing premises at 6 Ocean Street, Maroochydore, and comprise 15 rooming units.
A town planning report by Adams and Sparkes Town Planning on behalf of applicant Mara Maroochydore Pty Ltd says the existing two-storey commercial building will be retained.
“The proposed hostel will be located on the upper level of the building, with part of the ground level used solely for access between levels,” it states.
“The ground level of the existing building is to accommodate food and drink tenancies.”
The hostel would also include a reception area, living and kitchen area, wellness area, gym, pool, five six-bed dorms, four nine-bed dorms, an 18-bed dorm, three private rooms with a private kitchen and ensuite, two accessible rooms, an accessible toilet/shower and a separate male and female toilet/shower area.
The report says there would be no increase in gross floor area or structural changes, with proposed works to include facade improvements, a new shelter awning along the pedestrian promenade and internal fit-out changes to both levels.
“The adaptive reuse of the existing structure avoids unnecessary demolition and construction, supporting sustainable development principles and reducing environmental impact,” it states.
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The 612sqm site has 18m frontage to Ocean Street and is in the Principal Centre Zone and Maroochydore/Kuluin Local Plan Area.
“The site is proximate to a variety of business and commercial uses including regional shopping facilities, entertainment uses, food and drink outlets, offices, health care services, etc,” the report says.
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“Specifically, the site is situated on Ocean Street which is a popular dining and entertainment precinct comprising a range of vibrant land uses operating throughout both daytime and evenings.
“The proposed reuse of the existing premises and the establishment of a quality hostel proposal will positively contribute to the Ocean Street precinct and the broader local economy.”
Two staff car parking spaces, 11 bicycle spaces, two motorbike spaces and a courtesy 12-seater shuttle bus will be provided.
The report says parking requirements specify 15 resident car spaces but states “it is neither practical nor feasible to provide additional parking on the site”.
“The site is located within close proximity to major transport hubs such as Sunshine Plaza and will predominately cater for backpackers and travelling tourists who are unlikely to require guest car parking,” it says.
“To ensure the proposed hostel is provided with sufficient on-site car parking for the demand anticipated to be generated by the use, the applicant and hostel operator is to provide for a 12-seater courtesy shuttle bus, which will offer guest transport to local key sites such as the airport, tourist attractions, public transport stations and similar services.
“It is also proposed to provide guests with access to paid parking within the adjoining Big Top development, with consent from the landowner given to facilitate this.”
ASIC documents indicate the director of Mara Maroochydore Pty Ltd is Jai Roots, whose LinkedIn profile says he co-founded the Pulse Bar on nearby Duporth Avenue in 2024.
The registered owner of the land is QACPF (QIC Australia Core Plus Fund) Big Top Pty Ltd, which is the owner of the adjacent Big Top Shopping Centre.
The QIC website says it is one of the Australia’s leading diversified alternative investment firms with a $12.6b asset portfolio of more than properties.
The material change of use application has been submitted to Sunshine Coast Council and is subject to code assessment.
