Pellicano Plots Maroochydore BtR, Short-Stay Twin Towers
Pellicano Group has taken the covers off a twin tower build-to-rent and short-stay accommodation proposal in the heart of the Sunshine Coast’s largest retail hub.
Under the Melbourne-based developer’s plans, the mixed-use scheme would rise 16 storeys from a 5157sq m site at 45-49 Plaza Parade, Maroochydore.
Overall, it would comprise a total of 258 one, two and three-bedroom units above a multi-level podium and ground-floor featuring a centrepiece laneway and courtyard plaza as well as 825sq m of retail-commercial space.
The dual tower development—dubbed Plaza Parade on the design renderings—would sit next to the region’s biggest shopping centre, Sunshine Plaza, surrounded by large-format retail outlets, bars and restaurants to the north, east and west.
Its proposed height of 55.8m is more than double the “preferred 25m building height” stipulated under the prevailing Sunshine Planning Scheme 2014.
But according to a town planning report prepared by Project Urban, it “responds directly” to the draft Sunshine Coast Planning Scheme 2025 that “more clearly articulates the need for an intensified and vertically developed Maroochydore City Core”.
“Importantly, the proposal replaces an underutilised large-format retail complex with a higher intensity mixed-use development that is more appropriate to the zoning of the site and consistent with the planned future of the area,” the report said.
It also noted the site’s position “in a transitional location” at the edge of the Maroochydore City Centre Priority Development Area.
“Within less than 200m of the site, the PDA envisages building heights of up to 60m, clearly signalling the intended evolution of this part of Maroochydore into a high-intensity urban environment,” the report said.
“As development within the PDA continues, the character of the surrounding area will change to accommodate taller buildings and more intense forms of development consistent with that planning framework.
“Overall, the proposed development represents an appropriate, timely and well-designed response to the strategic planning intent for Maroochydore as the Sunshine Coast’s principal regional centre.
“It delivers a meaningful increase in housing supply, including a build-to-rent component, contributes to housing diversity and affordability, supports economic activity, and reinforces transit-oriented development outcomes within close proximity to existing and planned public transport infrastructure.”
Spread across 13 levels, the development’s planned residential yield includes 79 one, 98 two and 19 three-bedroom dual key build-to-rent units; 12 studio and 23 one-bedroom short-term accommodation units; and 22 two and 5 three-bedroom dual key short-term accommodation apartments.
Topping the four-level podium of the twin towers, an integrated communal open space for residents is to be provided with a swimming pool, gym, sauna and steam room, cold plunge pool and fitness lawn.
As well, the plans include a pool table-games room, numerous private dining pods, a business conference centre and work-from-home spaces.
Parking spaces for 235 cars, 35 motorcycles and 274 bicycles are to be accommodated within the lower levels of the podium.
The contemporary built form of the proposed development has been designed by architecture studio Mode to “optimise active frontages, enhance pedestrian amenity and integrate seamlessly with the surrounding city core context … and reinforce Maroochydore’s emerging urban identity”.
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