A LOW RISE LOW DENSITY YAROOMBA DEVELOPMENT THAT CREATES JOBS
(SEKISUI HOUSE NEEDS TO LEARN FROM BYRON BAY)
Sekisui House declares in their development application documents (DA) that a low rise low density resort development in Yaroomba Beach is not likely to succeed commercially. Sekisui is using that argument to justify their development application to Sunshine Coast Council that seeks to build a high density high rise resort containing over 1000 residential dwellings in monolithic slab-like buildings on their Yaroomba land.
SAVE YAROOMBA believes that the Sekisui development proposal to Council lacks both imagination and heart, it is not in step with Planning Scheme intent for the Yaroomba Beach region, and it merely seeks to maximise dollar inflow by cramming
as many apartment buildings as possible into the site no matter the long term consequence.
The argument underpinning Sekisui’s total DA rests
on extremely shaky foundations. We have researched successful Australian low rise low density resorts and we have chosen to highlight Elements at Byron Bay as a prime example of what is possible when communities, Councils, and developers work together to achieve an outstanding development outcome.
Elements at Byron is low rise, it is low density, it provides many jobs, and it did not try to walk all over the local community. We have utilised public domain material and listed the sources to give you an idea of what could be possible here in Yaroomba.
From: www.specifier.com.au
Offering world class facilities, the works (elements of Byron) include restaurants, an external wood fired pizza oven and outdoor area, cafes, reception, high end function rooms, day spa, gymnasium, beach entry pool over one acre in size with a fire pit, administration and back of house facilities, housekeeping, commercial kitchens and private dining.
From: www.byronbayblog.com.au
"Whilst the vision has always been to let nature – not buildings – dominate, at the same time we wanted to ensure that the buildings reflect the elements” said Holmes. All buildings are single storey and raised off the ground. “We are striving to offer guests a real experience of nature. Even if you are inside the villas we want to provide a sense of where you are on the land”.
From: www.byronbayblog.com.au
Elements of Byron resort has received a Sustainability Award from the Australian Institute of Architects, Queensland Chapter, in recognition of their approach to development across the fifty acre site. “It’s a very sensitively handled and a very hard project,” noted Alice Hampson, State Chair of Juries.
Further awards won by the beachfront resort during the last month include a Commendation in the Commercial Category at the Architecture Awards and being recognised at the Qantas Business Travel Awards, where Elements of Byron took the “Best Large Scale Corporate Retreat in Australia Award”. The property was commended by the judges for “mixing a five star veneer with heart and soul”.
From: www.elementsofbyron.com.au
JOBS: There is an emphasis on providing jobs for locals both during construction and through the ongoing operation of the resort, as well as the Sun Bistro and Byron Bay Railroad Company. Where feasible services and materials are procured locally. There is an emphasis on stimulating and supporting local industries and providing quality local jobs across a broad range of disciplines.
During the 18 month construction of Stage 1 approximately 350 full time equivalent jobs were created which were primarily taken by local residents. 140 full time equivalent positions have been created with the resort’s operation and these have primarily been taken by local residents. The construction of Stage 2 has created 120 full time jobs as is generating phenomenal business for many local suppliers. Once Stage 2 is completed there will be a considerable number of new positions at the expanded Elements of Byron resort.
THE PROPERTY: The property is 220 acres with almost 2km of beach frontage. The portion of this land we are developing as Elements of Byron comprises 50 acres, with a total building footprint of 10%.
OUR VISION: Ensure a landscape driven design response, protecting and enhancing fauna and flora
OUR DESIGN ETHOS: Nature and existing site features have driven the design. Our starting place was to respond to the natural landscape including typography and water bodies and the infrastructure already on the site.
KEY DRIVERS: Natural landscape. The resort is a series of buildings nestled in the natural landscape. Vegetation selection celebrates species found in littoral rainforest, coastal heathland and frontal dunes. Landscape themes are important as they create a sense of space for guests and visitors while at the same time creating fauna habitat.
With the ocean to the north-east and creeks, gullies and lakes throughout the site, water is a dominant element. Natural water corridors have been revitalised to promote healthy human and fauna experiences.
COMMUNITY: Our goal is that Elements of Byron is an asset that is valued by the local community. The project has improved the beach access and created facilities for the local community as well as resort guests. Locals are encouraged to use the day spa, restaurant and bar. The conference and event facilities are also available for private functions.
Any events held onsite will be in keeping with the ethos and business model of a low key resort within a fragile environment.
As we progress with construction of Stage 2 please help us by informing us if you feel you are being impacted or compromised. Your ongoing feedback is invaluable in improving our operations.
Our commitment to the community is long term. We own the land and are in the final stages of completing Elements of Byron, creating quality employment opportunities for the local community and being an important contributor to the Byron economy.
THE SAVE YAROOMBA VIEW
It is a pity that Sekisui House is simply not quick enough to grasp a position on the leading edge of the eco-resort wave. They appear to be solidly mired in the old idea of 'bang it up as high as you can and flog it off as quick as you can.' That's like going back to the old white-shoe-brigade days.
Should our Council have the courage to totally reject the current inappropriate Sekisui DA we are putting forward our own proposition for that Yaroomba land – build a commercially successful low rise, low density, job creating, and environmentally sensitive eco-resort on it. The value of such a proposition is hardly rocket-science!
SAVE YAROOMBA believes that the Sekisui development proposal to Council lacks both imagination and heart, it is not in step with Planning Scheme intent for the Yaroomba Beach region, and it merely seeks to maximise dollar inflow by cramming
as many apartment buildings as possible into the site no matter the long term consequence.
The argument underpinning Sekisui’s total DA rests
on extremely shaky foundations. We have researched successful Australian low rise low density resorts and we have chosen to highlight Elements at Byron Bay as a prime example of what is possible when communities, Councils, and developers work together to achieve an outstanding development outcome.
Elements at Byron is low rise, it is low density, it provides many jobs, and it did not try to walk all over the local community. We have utilised public domain material and listed the sources to give you an idea of what could be possible here in Yaroomba.
From: www.specifier.com.au
Offering world class facilities, the works (elements of Byron) include restaurants, an external wood fired pizza oven and outdoor area, cafes, reception, high end function rooms, day spa, gymnasium, beach entry pool over one acre in size with a fire pit, administration and back of house facilities, housekeeping, commercial kitchens and private dining.
From: www.byronbayblog.com.au
"Whilst the vision has always been to let nature – not buildings – dominate, at the same time we wanted to ensure that the buildings reflect the elements” said Holmes. All buildings are single storey and raised off the ground. “We are striving to offer guests a real experience of nature. Even if you are inside the villas we want to provide a sense of where you are on the land”.
From: www.byronbayblog.com.au
Elements of Byron resort has received a Sustainability Award from the Australian Institute of Architects, Queensland Chapter, in recognition of their approach to development across the fifty acre site. “It’s a very sensitively handled and a very hard project,” noted Alice Hampson, State Chair of Juries.
Further awards won by the beachfront resort during the last month include a Commendation in the Commercial Category at the Architecture Awards and being recognised at the Qantas Business Travel Awards, where Elements of Byron took the “Best Large Scale Corporate Retreat in Australia Award”. The property was commended by the judges for “mixing a five star veneer with heart and soul”.
From: www.elementsofbyron.com.au
JOBS: There is an emphasis on providing jobs for locals both during construction and through the ongoing operation of the resort, as well as the Sun Bistro and Byron Bay Railroad Company. Where feasible services and materials are procured locally. There is an emphasis on stimulating and supporting local industries and providing quality local jobs across a broad range of disciplines.
During the 18 month construction of Stage 1 approximately 350 full time equivalent jobs were created which were primarily taken by local residents. 140 full time equivalent positions have been created with the resort’s operation and these have primarily been taken by local residents. The construction of Stage 2 has created 120 full time jobs as is generating phenomenal business for many local suppliers. Once Stage 2 is completed there will be a considerable number of new positions at the expanded Elements of Byron resort.
THE PROPERTY: The property is 220 acres with almost 2km of beach frontage. The portion of this land we are developing as Elements of Byron comprises 50 acres, with a total building footprint of 10%.
OUR VISION: Ensure a landscape driven design response, protecting and enhancing fauna and flora
- Ensure all buildings are low density with soft organic building shapes
- Maintain and improve public beach access and facilities
OUR DESIGN ETHOS: Nature and existing site features have driven the design. Our starting place was to respond to the natural landscape including typography and water bodies and the infrastructure already on the site.
KEY DRIVERS: Natural landscape. The resort is a series of buildings nestled in the natural landscape. Vegetation selection celebrates species found in littoral rainforest, coastal heathland and frontal dunes. Landscape themes are important as they create a sense of space for guests and visitors while at the same time creating fauna habitat.
With the ocean to the north-east and creeks, gullies and lakes throughout the site, water is a dominant element. Natural water corridors have been revitalised to promote healthy human and fauna experiences.
COMMUNITY: Our goal is that Elements of Byron is an asset that is valued by the local community. The project has improved the beach access and created facilities for the local community as well as resort guests. Locals are encouraged to use the day spa, restaurant and bar. The conference and event facilities are also available for private functions.
Any events held onsite will be in keeping with the ethos and business model of a low key resort within a fragile environment.
As we progress with construction of Stage 2 please help us by informing us if you feel you are being impacted or compromised. Your ongoing feedback is invaluable in improving our operations.
Our commitment to the community is long term. We own the land and are in the final stages of completing Elements of Byron, creating quality employment opportunities for the local community and being an important contributor to the Byron economy.
THE SAVE YAROOMBA VIEW
It is a pity that Sekisui House is simply not quick enough to grasp a position on the leading edge of the eco-resort wave. They appear to be solidly mired in the old idea of 'bang it up as high as you can and flog it off as quick as you can.' That's like going back to the old white-shoe-brigade days.
Should our Council have the courage to totally reject the current inappropriate Sekisui DA we are putting forward our own proposition for that Yaroomba land – build a commercially successful low rise, low density, job creating, and environmentally sensitive eco-resort on it. The value of such a proposition is hardly rocket-science!
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The Save Yaroomba Group (as a sub committee of Friends of Yaroomba Inc) is dedicated to the preservation of social amenity in the Yaroomba Village area. We are not opposed to appropriate development or economic growth across the Sunshine Coast region or the Yaroomba Beach precinct. We are opposed to the Sekisui Yaroomba Beach development because it does not conform to the reasonable restraints contained in the Sunshine Coast Planning Scheme 2014. The Sekisui DA will greatly affect the social environment for all residents in the Yaroomba Beach Community, and our aim is to ensure that the Sekisui Yaroomba proposal fully adheres to the height and density requirements stipulated for the Yaroomba Beach district in the Sunshine Coast Planning Scheme 2014. We welcome appropriate development to Yaroomba Beach, but we will strenuously oppose the current form of the Sekisui Yaroomba Beach proposal. If you would like to support our cause to save the Yaroomba Beach Community from this inappropriate Sekisui Yaroomba development, you are welcome to either donate via the facility on this website, or join our email list to receive updates.
