Maroochydore’s Next Skyline Shift Wins Green Light from Council

The mixed-use tower will include one to four-bedroom apartments, five ground-floor retail tenancies and parking across multiple levels. A rooftop deck will have a 25m infinity-edge pool, sauna, steam room, plunge pools and private dining areas.

Habitat plans to start construction nexrt year and expects the project to employ about 1100 workers. The Salvation Army and Neighbours Aid op shops are on the site.

In its statement of reasons, the council said the extra height added some visual prominence and minor amenity impacts, but not unacceptable outcomes.

It said the site’s position next to a precinct with higher height limits, inside the Principal Regional Activity Centre, along with its large land area and three road frontages, provided a sound planning basis for more height. The council said the design “reinforces the role of the site at a key gateway location”.

Of 185 properly made submissions regarding the proposal, 144 supported the application, mostly citing economic, housing and public realm benefits. Objectors raised concerns about height, character, amenity and precedent.

The council said it had considered those concerns, but concluded the project was “in the public interest” and warranted approval despite the breach of building height provisions.

Habitat Development Group managing director Cleighton Clark said the council “deserves ... recognition for its vision in planning the future of Maroochydore and creating the foundations for what will become one of Australia’s most exciting new CBD precincts”. 

▲ Habitat Development Group expects construction of the Rivianne to begn next year.

“Maroochydore is evolving into a genuine regional capital, supported by significant infrastructure investment, strong population growth and an increasingly sophisticated local economy.”

Rivianne adds to a growing pipeline of highrise projects around the new city centre.

A planning report by Adams and Sparkes for the developer said the project would help address a shortage of entry-level apartments. 

Walker Corporation’s $220 million, two-tower SOL by Walker is under construction near the precinct. The developer has applied for state government approval for a 99m tower known as Celeste at Lot 30 Sunshine Coast Parade. The city centre allows for one landmark building up to 100 metres.

A Walker Corporation spokesperson said Celeste had been designed within the approved planning height limits. The state, not council, is assessing that proposal.

The priority development area, on the former Horton Park Golf Course, is expected to accommodate at least 4000 new homes.