Big Top redevelopment plans delayed
Tue 11 November 2008
Bronwyn Ganter, Journalism
Big Top Shopping Centre’s redevelopment plans are no closer to being realised six years after the site was sold for development.
Reed Property Group bought Big Top Shopping Centre in Maroochydore in 2002, with a vision of urban renewal.
The shopping centre is still run down, unattractive and desperately in need of updating.
Sunshine Coast Regional Council principal planner Stephen Whitby said the council had not received plans for the development of the Big Top site.
Mr Whitby confirmed Reed Property Group requested meetings with the council to discuss the plan for the site.
“We envisage the main issue will be traffic and how the proposal interfaces with surrounding land uses,” Mr Whitby said.
“Given the current state of the complex... redevelopment...is encouraged, provided it satisfies the requirements of our Planning Scheme (Maroochy Plan 2000).”
Maroochy Plan 2000 shows Big Top Shopping Centre as a key town centre site.
The plan aims to sustainably balance environmental concerns with commercial and community expectations.
Council hopes the redevelopment of the site will revitalise Maroochydore’s central business district and invigorate the town centre.
Reed Property Group revealed plans in 2004 to redevelop Big Top Shopping Centre into Metro, a three tower, 20-storey residential and retail development including key retailer David Jones.
The group scrapped Metro plans when David Jones chose instead to locate in the upcoming Sunshine Plaza expansion.
Reed Property Group corporate communications manager Kathy Contoleon confirmed the Big Top Shopping Centre is set for major development in the near future.
Ms Contoleon said the site had a rich and colourful history, with a bright future ahead.
"The 3.1ha landmark located within the traditional town centre is well positioned to take advantage of Maroochydore's emerging strengths and maturity as a commerce and lifestyle destination," Ms Contoleon said.
Reed Property Group expects the redevelopment of the site to revive the community.
The site will be mixed-use, including residential, retail, office, entertainment and recreation.
The redevelopment plans will form part of the Maroochydore central business district along with a civic square, civic plaza and an entertainment centre.
Big Top Shopping Centre’s riverside location and three street frontage provide an important and unique development opportunity.
Plans are expected to be submitted for council approval by the end of 2008.
Locals are concerned that much needed parking will be lost in the development.
Local retailer Luke Rodgers said Big Top used to be a fantastic icon, but has been neglected and allowed to become run down.
Mr Rodgers said retailers were uncertain about future plans in Big Top Shopping Centre beyond the middle of 2009, when the centre is expected to begin redevelopment.
Access, parking and noise have been identified as development concerns for an already busy area.
With Reed Property Group’s plans focussed on the new Sunshine Cove development Emporio launched in September 2008, with construction due to begin early 2009, locals may wonder if the Big Top site is still considered a priority.
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