Overview

“The Station” site is located on James Street in the Yeppoon town centre. Council acquired the site from the Queensland Government in 2021. In October 2022 an Invitation to Tender was released for the development of two precincts with respondents’ proposals aligning to the vision held by Council. The vision and development outcomes sought for The Station site were based on previous community engagement undertaken by Economic Development Queensland in 2017 and further engagement undertaken by Council in 2020. Council 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 - The Station 4703

The Station's Western Precinct, completed in 2024, marked a significant milestone in transforming Yeppoon’s CBD. Funded with $2.5 million from the Australian Government's Black Summer Bushfire Recovery Grants Program, this project offers a dual-purpose community space designed for both leisure and recovery. The precinct features outdoor undercover areas, a multi-purpose stage, amenities, and a community play area. During disasters, it will serve as a crucial recovery hub to aid community efforts.

Developed by Limestone Pacific Pty Ltd, the precinct is also home to "The Station 4703," a vibrant venue offering alfresco dining, live music, and a taphouse with craft beers. Importantly, the precinct preserves the heritage-listed railway building, blending modern amenities with Yeppoon’s rich cultural history. This development enhances the social and cultural vibrancy of the region, providing an inviting space for locals and visitors alike while bolstering the town's disaster recovery capabilities.

Eastern Precinct Proposal

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 - and is subject to funding. 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.