McNab Building Services has completed a full structural and aesthetic renewal of Number One in Hastings Street, Noosa Heads, responding to growing demand for specialised remediation and upgrade works across South East Queensland’s ageing coastal properties.
The project, undertaken on behalf of the property’s body corporate, represents a top-to-bottom revitalisation of the 24-apartment complex at one of Australia’s most recognisable beachfront addresses.
According to the Australasian Strata Insights 2024 report, around half of all strata schemes nationally were registered before 2000, meaning a large portion of building stock is now more than 25 years old.[1]
Head of McNab Building Services (MBS), Dan Moore, said this is significant because it is around this time that strata buildings typically require structural maintenance, waterproofing and remediation.
“Number One in Hastings Street in Noosa Heads highlights the growing need for proactive investment in older body corporate buildings – particularly those within a few kilometres of the coastline, where structures face the harshest conditions,” Mr Moore said.
“Across Australia we’re now seeing the impact of long-term under-investment in maintenance of coastal and strata buildings. When preventative work is delayed, the coastal environment quickly compounds issues like corrosion and water ingress, often resulting in upgrade costs up to four times higher than the maintenance program.
“All eyes will be on Queensland in the lead up to and during the Brisbane 2032 Games and expectations will be high that these buildings are looking their best. This, along with the increased pressure on the construction industry to deliver the infrastructure needed for the Games, means body corporates and owners of tourism assets should be investing now.
“When buildings reach the 20- to 30-year mark, deterioration accelerates. Projects like Number One in Hastings Street show what’s possible when a body corporate takes a long-term, proactive approach to protecting its asset.”
The coordinated scope of works at the property included full exterior repainting, waterproofing, concrete repairs, corrosion control and custom-fabricated metalwork to improve longevity and functionality while respecting the complex’s beachfront setting.
A major component of the project was the replacement of the building’s main lift and the refurbishment of its inclinator system – a key feature of the property. Several components of the inclinator were custom designed and manufactured to ensure seamless integration with the existing infrastructure.
Externally, MBS also undertook significant landscaping upgrades including new retaining walls, planting schemes, irrigation systems and lighting.
Superintendent for this project Martin Galbraith from Galbraith Scott Pty Ltd said the body corporate’s decision to do these works was timely.
“Acting early isn’t just good practice – it protects owners from far more disruptive and costly repairs down the track, Mr Galbraith said.
“Body corporates and owners often delay these decisions due to the inconvenience and expense, but it doesn’t get easier. The costs and impacts simply accumulate and amplify the longer you wait.
“The work completed by MBS at Number One in Hastings Street has given owners confidence that the property will remain functional, attractive and financially sustainable for many years to come.”
Mr Moore said MBS is seeing strong demand for structural remediation and rejuvenation works from both residential and tourism properties across South East Queensland and Northern NSW.
“Property owners and body corporates are under increasing pressure to maintain assets to a high standard, particularly as population growth lifts expectations and as we move towards the 2032 Brisbane Olympic and Paralympic Games,” Mr Moore said.
“Buildings in premium locations need to evolve if they’re going to remain competitive. Our role is to deliver these complex upgrades efficiently, safely and with minimal disruption.”
For more information on MBS visit: www.mcnab.net.au/buildingservices
