Coolum Beach gains 43 new apartments as council approves Orvo Coolum

What's happening

A new apartment project is set to add 43 homes to Coolum Beach after Sunshine Coast Council approved Scanlon Group's Orvo Coolum development. The permit was issued on 6 October for the four-storey building at 27, 29 and 31 First Avenue.

The project combines three lots into a 3,036 square metre site and includes basement parking and rooftop communal facilities. Managing director Tony Scanlon said the team had taken time to work through design and planning "properly".

The key details

The application, lodged in July by 2731 Property Pty Ltd, exceeded the preferred residential density and proposed site cover of 69% against a preferred maximum of 40%. Council's statement of reasons found the development complies with the relevant benchmarks once conditions are applied.

• 43 apartments: 26 two-bedroom and 17 three-bedroom, including eight marketed as Sky Homes
• Maximum height of 12 metres above natural ground level
• At least 69 car spaces, including 11 for visitors, plus two motorcycle spaces
• Upgrades to the First Avenue frontage, including a new footpath
• Rooftop communal areas limited to 7am to 10pm

Other conditions cover privacy screening, landscaping and acoustic treatment. Service vehicle movements are limited to 7am to 6pm Monday to Saturday, with none on Sundays or public holidays, and the frontage works include closing redundant driveways and adding pedestrian-safety measures near the basement entry.

Mr Scanlon said new developments need to fit within the character and expectations of the local community, and the approval conditions cap the building at 12 metres above natural ground level.

Timeline and next steps

According to the report, construction is expected to start in the first half of 2027, with completion targeted for the second half of 2028. Sales and pre-construction steps would typically come first, and timing will depend on market conditions and building costs.

What it means for Gold Coast property owners and developers

The approval shows that well-designed, low-rise apartment projects can win support in established coastal suburbs even when they exceed planning-scheme density targets, provided conditions address height, privacy and parking. That is a useful precedent for developers across south-east Queensland's coastal markets, including the Gold Coast.

For buyers, larger two- and three-bedroom apartments may suit downsizers and families seeking a low-maintenance coastal home, and new supply of this kind adds choice. This is general information, not financial advice.

Frequently asked questions

Where is Orvo Coolum?

At 27, 29 and 31 First Avenue, Coolum Beach, on the Sunshine Coast.

How many apartments are approved?

43 apartments over four storeys: 26 two-bedroom and 17 three-bedroom.

When will it be built?

Construction is expected to begin in the first half of 2027, with completion in the second half of 2028.

Source: Sunshine Coast News, published 9 October 2026. This article is an independent summary and commentary by GC Prestige based on the original report — read the source for full details.