A new commercial container café business on community land in Happy Valley at Bulcock Beach, Caloundra is off to a bright start.
Division 2 Councillor Tim Dwyer said the colourful 'Happy Turtle Café' was now open for business and would provide numerous benefits for the community.
"Even in its first few days of operation this new container café business has already proven extremely popular with locals and visitors who love this area in Happy Valley for its spectacular views, the nearby park and playground area and of course the beach," Cr Dwyer said.
"While preserving community land for its primary purpose is paramount, council recognises that in some circumstances commercial use of community land may provide a benefit to that area and to the community.
"Careful consideration was given by council in regard to how this café would present aesthetically and it is envisioned that it will become an iconic local drawcard in the Happy Valley area. It will improve the experience for visitors to this area, especially those who come to visit the nearby park and also provide a secure and viable business opportunity.
"Council has provided the successful tenderer for this new café business a 10 year lease to provide tenure security and enable them to invest in their new business."
A budget was approved by council for construction and fitout of the new cafe. Hospitality experts Hiller undertook a detailed design of the new café to ensure the internal layout was suitable for a wide range of potential operators while providing enough space and equipment to run a sustainable business.
Happy Turtle Café operator Chloe Donaldson said it was an exciting opportunity to establish a business with a point of difference.
"This was a very appealing business opportunity and one that really fits in well with the local area here in Happy Valley," Ms Donaldson said.
The artworks which adorn the new café's exterior were carried out by local artists Thom and Marni Stuart, who were selected by council from a pool of 14 submissions by artists across south east Queensland.
Both Thom and Marni are local residents of Caloundra and said their connection to the location of this new café has really shone through in their work which is another wonderful addition to the Sunshine Coast's growing expression of art in public places.
"As Caloundra locals, we were incredibly proud to be selected to create the newest addition to the sunshine coast public art collection," Marni said.
"Due to the physical beauty of the area, the aim of the work is to celebrate landscape of the Pumicestone Passage surrounding Happy Valley. The work transitions through the terrains of the riverbank as it wraps around the container, starting with lush ferns, to sedges, sand, then water.
"The colours talk to the natural and man-made surrounds. More than simply referencing the sand and sea, it looks to the trees, flowers and play equipment that make Happy Valley special."
