Exciting new progress for The Station site in Yeppoon’s CBD

The Station site in Yeppoon is one step closer to reinvigorating the town centre and providing an economic and social boost for the community.  

At today’s Ordinary Council meeting, Councillors resolved to move forward with two exciting new opportunities for the Western and Eastern precincts of the site.

Earlier this year, Council was successful in obtaining funding under the Commonwealth Government’s Black Summer Bushfire Recovery Grants Program to activate the site as a community recovery space post-disasters, and for use as an entertainment and socialisation precinct during non-disaster times.

Following this, Council invited expressions of interest to explore development options proposed to be administered through a lease arrangement. Among the responses, one party expressed interest in purchasing part of the site, East of the historic railway station building. As a result, Council invited tenders for the lease and/or sale of the site, separating The Station into two parcels of land, being the Eastern and Western precincts.

Mayor Andy Ireland said the decision to split the Station into two precincts has proven to be a good commercial decision, with the proposed outcomes for each precinct benefitting the entire community.

“The Western precinct of The Station site, where the railway building is located, is set to become a community hotspot that doubles as a community recovery space following a disaster,” Mayor Ireland said.

“Limestone Pacific Pty Ltd is proposing to lease the site and has plans to establish a café, tap-house, alfresco dining and entertainment precinct.

“The funding Council received will go towards earthworks, services, a stage, undercover areas, community lawns, gardens and amenities surrounding the heritage railway building.

“This site will be leased to Limestone Pacific Pty Ltd, meaning that council will not have responsibility for maintaining and managing the site, however, will retain use rights for disaster recovery and event purposes, and receive revenue under the lease agreement.

“The Eastern precinct will deliver a solution aimed at supporting the urgent need for additional housing in Yeppoon, with Council resolving to sell the property to Saint Vincent De Paul to allow for high-density accommodation options to be developed.

“In November 2022 an application was lodged with Council for the 15,620 m2 privately-owned property adjacent to the Western precinct and opposite Bay Plaza, proposing retail shops, drive-through food outlets, medical services and a swim school. 

“Just imagine the economic benefits to our community and the increased vibrancy when the entire block of this prime parcel of CBD land is fully developed!  Not to mention potentially having over 200 new residents a few minutes walk away from all our main street shopping and eating experiences.”

Following today’s decision, Council will negotiate with Saint Vincent De Paul for the purchase of the Eastern precinct, however, this process will take some time. In addition, Council will finalise lease negotiations with Limestone Pacific Pty Ltd for the Western precinct. 

Concept designs and development proposals for both precincts will be released once timeframes have been negotiated and finalised.

For more information about the project please visit: https://getinvolved.livingstone.qld.gov.au/