Doctor-developers see healthy future in Nambour
Dr Rod Parnian pictured at the Mill Street development, has high hopes for Nambour.
Two doctors have opened a medical centre within their own development in Nambour amid high hopes the town is set for a resurgence.
Drs Rod Parnian and Sebastien LaFlamme went 50-50 on the multi-million dollar building opposite Coles. Mill Lane Medical Centre opened in the complex two weeks ago.
“We had a dream to build something nice and clean and modern for Nambour because we believe Nambour is the future of Sunshine Coast,” said Dr Parnian, who will practice at the clinic. “I found the block and I bought it, then I called Seb and Seb said ‘Yeah, I’m happy to get on board’.”
The doctors said Nambour was underestimated and set for major growth, especially in the build-up to the Olympics. “It is still a bit more affordable than the Coast so I think there’ll be a growth and a change in demographics there,” said Dr LaFlamme. “A lot of new families will settle around the area. I think it’s a town that is up-and-coming. It might have been difficult for Nambour in the past decades but I think it’s going to change drastically in the next decade or so.”
Dr Parnian said Nambour had been dealt significant blows with the sugar mill closure and council headquarters moving to Maroochydore but he predicted things were about to change.
“I think it’s a good time to get in. It’s about to rise.”
In fact, he had plans to develop residential/commercial projects in Price and Currie Streets.
He said the recent purchase of C-Square by Sandran Property Group and news of Rod Rod Constantinides’ $50 million plans for 60 apartments and commercial tenancies on the corner of Currie and Bury Street were clear signs investors were once more eyeing the former sugar town as a sweet investment.
Dr Parnian said only investment would overcome perceptions about Nambour which was being let down by Currie Street’s empty shops.
“Currie Street is a very sad, depressed street and when people see it now, it gives the wrong impression. It puts them off,” he said.
“And it attracts a lot of the wrong crowd around that area. But if development happens it will change the face of the whole town.”
Elevator car parking system
Due to the irregular shape of the site, on-site parking is offered on the first-storey via an up-ramp and elevator car parking system, pictured. Elevators lift tennants’ and employees’ cars into the void of the building to free up valuable floor space.
“I was in Japan a few years ago and I saw the stacked car-parking concept,” said Dr Parnian. “And I thought we have to bring this to Sunshine Coast where car parking is a problem.
“Council wasn’t very welcoming. They had a lot of concerns but we got through.
“We engaged an Australian company which uses the German technology and we installed them for around $32,000 each.”
Pathology, psychology and cosmetic services
The building features a steel, horizontal screen with natural finish which pays homage to the crushing wheel used in the original sugar cane mill which was demolished at the site 18 years ago.
As well as the medical centre the practice will offer pathology, psychology and other allied health services, including a range of cosmetic services through the associated Venusia Clinic.
• The mixed-billing clinic is the fourth medical centre on the Coast under the Better Family Health brand. Phone 5228 0903.
