Interest in Caloundra as an alternative lifestyle destination to Noosa has been sparked by a new $250 million boutique development’s marketing campaign.
The team behind the proposed Paloma Paloma on Bulcock Street said a suite of cheeky billboards that went up in Melbourne proclaiming ‘Not Noosa’ had drawn massive southern interest.
The bright and bold billboards will now be rolled out in Byron Bay and Sydney to promote the southern end of the Sunshine Coast.
“There were almost 100 enquiries in the four days following the billboards going up,” said Colliers Director Daniel Hirst.
“The billboards sparked lots of questions and supportive comments through enquiries, along the lines of ‘Yes, not Noosa!’.
“Our feedback was that people believe Caloundra’s a hidden gem and it’s natural beauty, diversity and safe beaches have been greatly under recognised for years and it’s time this changes.
“The message we have received from potential buyers is ‘Noosa is great but we love Caloundra and the southern Sunshine Coast’.
“The billboards combined with the articles and radio ads produce a groundswell of awareness about Paloma Paloma and what it is bringing to Caloundra.”
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Paloma Paloma has been described as a ‘world-class’ development unlike anything seen before in the region, with a boutique hotel and 84 residences.
Photo gallery: Paloma Paloma family fun day
Meanwhile, about 300 people attended a fun family day out on Sunday at the site where the Paloma Paloma development will eventually be constructed at the top end of town.
Two food trucks gave out free coffee and donuts and there was live music from talented local artists Dorah Jacson, Tess Fapani, Hayden Hack and Asher Chapman.
The event was run and curated by Troubadour Wagon and even included local handmade toilets by Classy Loos.
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The project is proposed for the top end of Bulcock Street, taking up several adjoining buildings, including one that formerly housed the old Caloundra post office.
The entire site was recently painted in what its creators describe as a shade of “pink fire”, but others might call it orange, tangerine or salmon.
The flamboyant move was designed to ignite interest and intrigue in the upcoming development.