Planning Report - 14-16 Mary Street, Noosaville - Bounce Hostels 15.6.2018

3.Development Intent
Bounce Hostel Noosa Pty Ltd ATF The Bounce Hostel Unit Trust is seeking to establish an environmentally
sensitive, hostel accommodation for backpackers and budget travellers on the site.
The applicant is the owner and manager of a multi award winning Sydney hostel (awards include Best Hostel in
Australia, Most Popular Hostel in Sydney, Top 3 Hostel in Oceania by Hostelworld.com; and Winner of the
TripAdvisor Certificate of Excellence). Their intent is to develop a flagship hostel in Noosa.
The applicant has engaged a local design firm, Zest Building Design, to ensure that the proposal encapsulates
the Noosa character. The architectural plans (Appendix A) illustrate a contemporary, architecturally designed
development with building articulation and variation in building materials and architectural treatments (Figure
1). A number of architectural features are proposed including decorative timber screens and rafter tails, timber
shutters, balustrading, and raised planters.
To ensure that the hostel development manages the elements of the coastal environment, a palette consisting
of robust materials and finishes is proposed. The incorporation wide roof eaves and wrap-around balconies are
appropriate for the site’s subtropical setting. Articulated, fine grain Sunshine Coast architectural language
ensures the new development respects and complements the existing built form along May Street.
The intention of the development is to offer a quality hostel experience with an emphasis of operating in an
environmentally sensitive manner. The site is well located within close proximity to outdoor recreation
activities based along the Noosa River, Noosa Northshore and Noosa Heads. The development will diversify the
accommodation choices available for Noosa visitors.
As depicted in Figure 1 below, the proposed hostel development has been oriented to address the street
(Mary Street) and makes a positive statement and contributes to the streetscape.




                                       Figure 1: Proposed Hostel Development – Entry
                                               Source: Zest Building Design


It is important to note that the subject site was specifically identified by Council as an appropriate location for
a hostel development to occur during the strategic framing of the Noosa Planning Scheme in 2006. Previous
concepts for a similar development have been presented to Council without achieving the viability to make the
project progress. As reflected in the architectural renderings and plans, the applicant is committed to
developing a quality hostel development that encapsulates the Noosa character.
               14-16 Mary Street, Noosaville                                                      8