The “unexpected” design of a $250 million hotel and apartments that could “change Caloundra” has been unveiled as the project was officially launched on Monday.
Paloma Paloma, at the top end of the main street, is being heralded by its creators as “unlike anything witnessed on the Sunshine Coast”.
Its “unrivalled collection” of 74 private two- and three-bedroom apartments are now on sale.
Prices for the four penthouses range from $3 million to $5 million. The three-bedroom apartments will be priced from $1.5 million to $3 million and the two-bedrooms start in the high $800,000s.
All the apartments will have “penthouse finishes” such as natural limestone tiles, stone for the kitchen island and bathroom vanities, plus an “unexpected” cork finish on the kitchen cupboards.
They will complement a 138-room boutique hotel (4.5 to 5 stars), members-only health and wellness spa and gymnasium, a selection of bars, restaurants and other hospitality offerings.
Retail will be accessible from the Knox Avenue entrance, while level two on Bulcock Street will have dining and the hotel convention. At the Canberra Terrace access, there will be more dining and a cafe.
SCROLL DOWN FOR DISPLAY KITCHEN
Project architect Dylan Brady said the Sunshine Coast would “never be the same again” as he unveiled the complete suite of images of “how totally unexpected Paloma Paloma is”.
“Paloma Paloma’s design feels like a geological artefact brought back to life,” the Decibel Architecture conductor said.
“The project’s exterior re-imagines rock shelves and ocean ledges through mineral-stained exposed concrete.
Like stories that inform, connect and celebrate the Sunshine Coast? So do we. Join an independent local news revolution by subscribing to our free daily news feed: Go to SUBSCRIBE at top of this article to register
“To further bring Caloundra’s landscape into the development, the residential common areas feature rock pools, while the residential tower is designed in the image of a cruise liner that has docked at Caloundra’s shore.
“The balconies are extraordinary with spectacular views, while the residential and hotel floor plans are generous.
“There’s a genuine sense of connection between the residence and hotel, and the common areas create moments between people.
“The designs are totally unexpected. We want people who come to Paloma Paloma to feel like they just found a beautiful photograph they want to share with friends.
“Paloma Paloma is iconic and will re-imagine the Sunshine Coast.”
Paloma Paloma stretches an entire block of some 5000sqm at the top of Bulcock Street and fronts three streets. The site includes the old post office which has now been repainted and turned into the display office.
It will feature a hotel tower, residential tower and three levels of retail and dining.
Construction is expected to start in August and take 2.5 years to complete.
Colliers director Daniel Hirst said Paloma Paloma would “take Caloundra to the next level of sophistication and design”.
Mr Hirst said the development did not seek to change the town’s unpretentious, relaxed vibe, but it would offer the type of housing and dining experiences that “people have been waiting for”.
“This is an extra level of dining and accommodation we haven’t had yet,” he said.
“It’s not going to gentrify Caloundra because we don’t want that, but we do want to offer something more.”
Mr Hirst said most of the buyer interest was coming from Queensland but he was also taking inquiries from Melbourne and Sydney and from people who had a connection with Caloundra that was drawing them back.
The Paloma Paloma precinct is the latest venture from development company CURA which has expertise in finance markets and experience across the Americas, Asia and Australia.
In January, the developers launched a billboard campaign in Melbourne, which expanded to Sydney and Byron Bay, to spark debate about which Sunshine Coast beach town is better, with a cheeky poke at Noosa.
The Not Noosa campaign was designed to draw the interest of buyers from the southern states, who traditionally holiday in Noosa, to the beauty of Caloundra.
Inside Paloma Paloma
The old post office has been transformed into a display office with an example inside of the interior finishes of a Paloma Paloma apartment.
Mr Hirst said all the apartments were bigger and more spacious than usual, but the penthouses were much larger still for that “huge apartment lifestyle”.
“The four exclusive penthouses feature generous entertaining balconies, private balcony jacuzzies, light in every bathroom, luxurious kitchens and spacious living areas,” he said.
“These signature residences are the pinnacle of Paloma Paloma, completing an extraordinary suite of properties that must be seen to be believed.”
The two-bedroom apartments are about 105sqm internally and the three bedrooms around 160sqm. The balcony on the penthouse alone takes up 190sqm, while the home itself is about 260sqm.
All windows and doors push back to enhance the open space.
Mr Hirst said all apartments would have “penthouse” finishes.
The circular-shaped kitchen is encompassed by a thick concrete bench that sweeps across the room, with plenty of work space.
Instead of 2PAC kitchen cupboards, the designers opted for the “unexpected”, with a soft cork finish behind which hides an integrated fridge.
There are two stacks of ovens and an induction cooker with an extraction fan underneath the bench.
The floors throughout are of natural white limestone.
The bathroom boasts a circular vanity of stone, the Japanese onsen bath and a shower with double shower heads.
