Redevelopment of Yeppoon's Station Quarter is a step closer with Silverstone Developments signing on to purchase more than half of the 2.4-hectare former heritage rail station site to deliver a mixed-use urban precinct.
Silverstone was selected from a national tender process – the Queensland company boasting a diverse portfolio of commercial, retail and residential projects.
Member for Keppel Brittany Lauga said Silverstone's proposal would create a high-quality mixed-use retail and commercial space for the community.
"This 1.5-hectare redevelopment will support local jobs and boost Yeppoon's future prosperity," Ms Lauga said.
"The remaining land on the site will be transferred to Livingstone Shire Council for future community uses.
"Silverstone is currently working with council on a masterplan that is expected to further transform this underutilised site.
"The redevelopment of Station Quarter will complement the quality built environment created by other recent investments in Yeppoon's CBD, and will further enhance Yeppoon status as a great place to live, work and raise a family.
"The Palaszczuk Government is investing almost a million dollars to provide maintenance works to the former railway station building and to extend the Pineapple Coast Rail Trail to the foreshore via a shared path," she said.
"It's great to see our investment generate new investment, to maximise our town's history and beauty, and to create a better Yeppoon for all of us."
Livingstone Shire Council Mayor Bill Ludwig congratulated Silverstone Developments on their successful tender.
"The redevelopment of the former rail station precinct aligns with this community and council's vision for the region identified in the Livingstone Community Plan: Towards 2050," Mr Ludwig said.
"Renewing this site will unlock its full potential. Development will strike a balance between maintaining and protecting our history while stimulating local employment and attracting private sector investment into the region."
Silverstone Developments Development Manager Wade Fraser said the company is incredibly proud to be embarking on this project and sees it as an opportunity to realise the potential of the site that has been underutilised for many years.
"It is rare to get such a large blank canvas in the CBD of a regional town like Yeppoon and we are looking forward to working closely with the city's stakeholders in delivering this special piece of the city," Mr Fraser said.
"We believe in Yeppoon as a growing regional location. Above average population growth, economic improvements year-on-year, and an involved community indicate its current and future status as a flagship Queensland coastal location worthy of public and private investment."
Once the contractual due diligence period is over, Silverstone is required to submit a development application to council.
