Overview
The Station is an 8,203 m2 Council owned site (Lot 2 on SP230820, 33 James Street) located in the main street of the Yeppoon CBD. Council acquired the site from the Queensland Government in 2021 and is undertaking a reconfiguration of a lot to split the site into two, known as the Western precinct and the Eastern precinct.
In October 2022 an Invitation to Tender (ITT) was released for the development of both precincts with respondents’ proposals aligning to the vision held by Council. The vision and development outcomes sought for The Station site are based on previous community engagement undertaken by Economic Development Queensland in 2017 and further engagement undertaken by Council in 2020. Council has also received funding through the Black Summer Bushfire Recovery Grants Program to activate the western precinct to be used as a community recovery space, post disaster events.
Western Precinct Development
Council has entered into a lease agreement with local company Limestone Pacific Pty Ltd (the successful tenderer) to develop the Western precinct. During its day-to-day use the venue known as “The Station 4703” will include alfresco dining, live music and a taphouse with craft beers produced by independent Australian micro-breweries
The agreement allows Council to activate the community recovery space following a disaster, as well as to host recovery events during the year such as Get Ready Days. The funding will cover construction of outdoor undercover areas, a multi-purpose stage, amenities building, community outdoor area and play equipment. The site design allows for separate spaces for differing purposes, with the intended use of the Community Recovery Space to link people with relevant information and support following a natural disaster.
The central component of the precinct is the heritage listed railway building. All development is designed to be sympathetic to the cultural heritage significance of the place. Construction commences August 2023 with anticipated completion in first quarter 2024.
Eastern Precinct Vision
In September 2022 Knight Frank (on behalf of Council) undertook a four-week public tender process inviting offers to purchase the eastern precinct. The “vision” for the precinct was
Mixed Use/High Density Residential Vision –
It is well-known that Yeppoon is facing a housing crisis. Housing demand has pushed housing prices to all-time highs and rental vacancy rates are less than 1%. This is impacting employment (workers cannot find or afford accommodation) and increasing homelessness. The immediate provision of diversity in housing supply, choice and affordability is essential. To meet this need Council is proposing to sell the eastern portion of the site to allow for ground floor mixed commercial and retail uses and high-density residential apartment style development on the upper levels. Due to the prominence of the site, Council is committed to collaborating with the successful tenderer to ensure high quality built design that will complement the ultimate development of the CBD.
No offers were received during the tender process. Saint Vincent De Paul expressed interest in purchasing the site shortly after the tender process closed. If Saint Vincent De Paul purchase the site it will be on commercial terms. Sale conditions are dependent on a range of approvals, include planning, which will involve community consultation.
The proposed development is for ground floor commercial/retail uses with apartments above. Design will be high-quality and in accordance with the requirements of the major centre zone code.
A development of this scale increases population density, foot traffic and local spend in the Yeppoon Town Centre.
