Heritage is now a key focus for the region, with the Sunshine Coast Council proposing amendments to the Sunshine Coast Planning Scheme 2014 to revise and update the provisions relating to cultural heritage. To find out how we assisted with the redevelopment of the iconic, heritage listed Balkins Mens Wear property in Ocean Street, Maroochydore, please read on.
Established in 1962, the Balkins Mens Wear Centre is arguably one of the most well-respected menswear businesses in the region. The original store opened in Nambour, followed by stores in Caloundra and Maroochydore.
The Maroochydore store was located at 1-5 Ocean Street, Maroochydore, a heritage listed site referred to as “Nonmus’s Hall”. The hall was erected in the 1920’s. Council’s heritage description of the property identifies that the hall was a focus for social and community life in the locality by providing a venue for meetings, concerts, dances, receptions, church services and auctions.
This year, Nonmus’s Hall, the Ocean Street site of the Balkins Mens Wear Centre, has been redeveloped. Project Urban was closely involved, providing town planning and streetscape design services for the heritage-listed site.
The proposal involved the demolition of the existing heritage-listed building and construction of a new two-storey commercial building.
Existing building materials were salvaged and reused as decorative features in the new building. Additionally, an historic interpretive display will be provided to document the history and significance of the previous building. The project provides an example as to how heritage matters can be addressed while achieving commercial development objectives.
For further information and options for developing heritage-listed sites, please contact Project Urban on 5443 2844.