by Janine Hill

A NEW showroom development is proposed for Howard Street in what could be a sign of changing times for Nambour.

McArthur and Associates Property Consultants are offering seven showrooms for lease at 131 Howard Street, behind Fruity Life fruit and vegetable shop and Aldi supermarket.

Marketing agent Sam McArthur said construction of the showrooms was expected to commence mid-2024 and be completed mid-2025.

The proposed showrooms range in size from 411sq m up to 500-600sq m but Mr McArthur said two prospective tenants, including a clothing retailer, were looking at taking double showrooms.

“There’s a fair bit of interest. I’ve got two in the pipeline for 1102 and 1158sq m,” he said.

Mr McArthur said a pet store, liquor outlet and a food business were also interested in leasing opportunities.

He said plans for the site also included 20 two and three-storey townhouses behind the showrooms.

Access to all would be along a driveway on an easement between Aldi and the Healthy Life fruit shop.

The council issued approval in 2017 to Nambour Developments (No 135) Pty Ltd for showrooms plus 20 townhouses on the site.

ASIC records show Nambour Developments (no 135) Pty Ltd is owned by Andrew Bochenski, of Caboolture.

The approval included the provision of 77 carparks for the commercial component and 35 carparking spaces for the residential area.

Local businesswoman Rhonda Billett is pleased about the development, saying it was something needed in Nambour. 

“As a business owner, talking to locals daily, they frequently talk to me about the constant need for more businesses with a strong emphasis on manchester, whitegoods and clothing,” she said. 

“Investments like this one are significant for locals on this side of the highway who have to currently go to the coast to buy home essentials. 

“Developments like this also are a good indicator that investor interest is growing in this area and that’s a good thing as it brings jobs and prosperity to communities.”