Low-Profile Apartment Plans Lodged for Caloundra Hilltop

New low-profile development plans have been filed for a large amalgamated site on a Sunshine Coast hilltop across the road from two heritage-listed lighthouses.

It would comprise 18 three and four-bedroom apartments across five levels built into the side of the hill at 2 and 6 Canberra Terrace, Caloundra.

The proposal has been lodged by Brisbane-based developer Karam Boutique Residential.

It went back to the drawing board after the Sunshine Coast Council warned its initial plans for 26 apartments across an eight-level building “significantly” exceed the 8.5m height limit and would be knocked back.

At the corner of Canberra Terrace and Arthur Street, the 2786sq m site is occupied by a block of three units that would be demolished.

Next to the site are Caloundra’s two historic lighthouses—one that was built in 1896 and the other in 1968.

Under the Caloundra Local Plan, views to and from the lighthouses must be respected.

▲ Renders of the proposed apartment block on the Sunshine Coast.

A submitted planning report said the bulk and scale of the redesigned scheme by HAL Architects had been “actively reduced through considered design techniques”.

“The building footprint in conjunction with the overall building height are complementary to the natural contour of the land which ensures the redevelopment sits comfortably within this unique site context,” it said.

It deemed the proposal to be “an appropriate, well-designed and attractive infill redevelopment outcome for a currently underutilised, large amalgamated parcel of land”.

“The architectural aspirations for the proposal are focused towards providing a vibrant and contemporary residential building,” the report said.

It added that the proposed building was “not overbearing or excessive in scale” and the design allows the overall built form “to sit comfortably between the adjoining neighbours and … results in a substantial improvement to the current streetscape”.

The proposal includes five two-storey residences and two penthouses each with private roof terraces. As well, it has two levels of basement carparking with space for 58 resident and visitor vehicles and 23 bicycles.

▲ A render of the proposed development for the Caloundra hilltop.