AusLeisure

Sunshine Coast tourism icon The Big Pineapple has been purchased by Big Pineapple Corp. Pty Ltd, a consortium which plans to rejuvenate the site, restore the heritage-listed icon and create a market hub for locals and visitors alike.

The sale includes 165 hectares of land on 15 titles across both sides of Queensland's Bruce Highway - including The Big Pineapple and immediate orchards, and was negotiated for a price of $5.8 million.

Big Pineapple Corp Pty Ltd project partner Damon Falcongreen said the team was very excited about the purchase, stating "while plans are obviously still in their infancy, our vision for this area - one headlined by one of the country's best known tourist attractions, albeit one which has laid dormant and closed for over 12 months, s to rejuvenate the Pineapple itself and the gardens and orchards, and to create a Queensland-produce driven market hub and business centre.

"The Big Pineapple is a big part of the Sunshine Coast family and we are keen to engage ideas and suggestions from our local community. We have been privileged to realise this purchase and understand the heritage, cultural and social value in the property.

"As a result, we will be working with everyone who knows, loves and wants this area to once again shine from a business, and sustainability perspective ï¾ local residents, local business owners, other tourist operators, transport providers, educators and of course local Council and the State Government."

Last week was the 40 year anniversary of the official opening of The Big Pineapple.

Built in 1971, The Big Pineapple burnt down and was rebuilt in 1978, and during its life has been owned by various operators.

The property features over 10,000 metre2 of buildings including the main restaurant and retail facility equipped with kitchens and cold storage facilities, as well as hydroponics structures, a chocolate factory, and macadamia factory, together with extensive established macadamia avocado and citrus orchards (all of which require intensive rejuvenation and work).

The individuals involved in the acquisition are Big Pineapple Corp Pty Ltd owners Roger Lago, Brad Rankin and Franco DiBartolomeo together with project partner Damon Falcongreen.

30th July 2011 - NEW OWNERS TO REOPEN THE BIG PINEAPPLE?

19th October 2010 - CAR COLLECTION TO BOOST NAMBOUR’S BIG PINEAPPLE

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