Historic hinterland town transforming into booming business hub
By Lewis Kwarcianyi
THE historic railway town of Landsborough is undergoing a transformation as new businesses move in, and existing ones expand, which is set to establish the suburb as a major economic and employment hub for the region.
The new industrial estates on Kelly Court and Lenco Crescent, which both run off Caloundra Street, have seen an influx of business activity over the last few years.
One of the largest businesses is The Happy Snack Company with their iconic blue factory that can be seen from Steve Irwin Way. Director Megan Agnew said the local company employs 20 staff and supplies their delicious healthy snacks to hundreds of major retailers across the country. Just down the road, opposite the family-friendly Pioneer Park, Scott and Lauren from Mooloolah Produce moved their family from NSW two years ago after purchasing the Landsborough-based business. And around the corner, Coast Imagewear recently moved into the Kelly Court estate because they needed a bigger showroom and workspace for their rapidly expanding business.
Similar stories can be found in the new Lenco Crescent estate, with the team at Glasshouse and Landsborough Automotive moving into one of the new sheds because they needed a bigger workshop. Landsborough Screens and Security recently relocated to the same area because they needed more space after successfully operating their family-run business next to the Landsborough BP fuel station for 30 years. At the other end of the spectrum, new kids on the block, Tom and Britt from True Phorm Fitness started their business a few years ago and just won the Silver Glassie at Andrew Powell’s Small Business Awards. The young entrepreneurial couple have big plans to build their own purpose-built gym in Landsborough.
The long-established business estate off Tythereleigh Avenue is home to well-known businesses like BIGA Bathroom & Plumbing Solutions and Savage Landscape Supplies, which was recently bought by young couple, Amanda and Aiden Young. Moving to the Western side of the train tracks, Cribb Street is experiencing a revitalisation as streetscaping work continues and businesses continue to innovate and grow. Troy from Hinterland Foliage has transformed an unused alleyway into a beautiful boutique nursery filled with amazing plants, pots and giftware. CJ’s Pastries has just renovated the old Bucks Bakery to open their newest store. Landsborough Hotel has a long history in the town and is a well-known venue for drinks, meals and events. The new owners at Meat @ Landsborough, Peter and Sue Denning, have just celebrated their one-year anniversary since taking over the shop.
Around the corner, along Maleny Street, Ray White recently opened their third office in the hinterland, signalling their confidence in the burgeoning property market, further emphasised by Krystle Kirk from McGill Group Real Estate who just opened a brand-new office with a modern cafe that serves coffee, breakfast and lunch for the surrounding community. Next door is Stepping Out Podiatry, a much-loved local business that chalked up their 20-year milestone last year.
All of these business stories are an indication that Landsborough truly is a small town with a big future.
