ILKLEY, AUSTRALIA – A development application has been lodged to expand the offerings at the Prideaux Estate, a popular wedding chapel site located at 264 Wilson Road, Ilkley, which has been serving as a sought-after venue for weddings for the past 16 years. Currently known for its beautiful ceremony location, the estate does not have facilities to host reception parties, but that is set to change.
The owners of the Prideaux Estate have submitted a proposal to the Sunshine Coast Council to build a function facility that will cater to wedding receptions. If approved, the expansion will transform the estate into a full-service wedding venue, offering both outdoor wedding ceremonies and receptions, making it a one-stop location for couples looking to host their entire celebration.
Proposed Development Details
Under the current approval, the Prideaux Estate can accommodate up to two ceremonies per day, seven days a week, with a maximum of 60 people per ceremony. However, the proposal would increase the venue’s guest capacity to 100 people per wedding and allow the venue to host two weddings with evening receptions per week.
The development proposal includes two key elements:
Two open-air marquees for outdoor receptions in Function Area A.
A barn-style function building for indoor receptions, to be built in Function Area B during the second stage of development.
Development Phases and Capacity Changes
The development would be carried out in two stages:
Stage One: Installation of the marquees for outdoor receptions.
Stage Two: Construction of the barn-style function building, expected to be a high-ceiling, single-level structure not exceeding 300sqm in area. The exact design and size of the building will depend on budget and industry trends, with architectural plans yet to be submitted.
Once the full development is complete, the venue will be able to host up to 100 guests per wedding and hold up to two weddings with evening receptions each week. The number of ceremony-only events will remain unchanged, with up to five ceremony-only events per week.
Impact on Wedding Schedule
The changes will also affect the wedding schedule. The number of weddings hosted per day will be reduced from two to one, resulting in a total of 364 weddings per year, compared to the current 728 ceremonies. The venue’s owners are committed to maintaining the estate’s intimate, serene atmosphere while expanding its services to meet the needs of modern couples.
Temporary Marquees and Future Plans
The marquees, which will be used for outdoor receptions, will be temporary structures that will be erected and dismantled after each function. The barn-style function building is still in the planning stages, and although no architectural designs have been finalized, it is expected to fit the estate’s charming and rustic aesthetic.
Community Engagement and Next Steps
As the development proposal is subject to public notification, the community will have an opportunity to provide feedback once the planning documents are made available. The Prideaux Estate’s owners are hopeful that the expansion will be well-received, allowing them to offer an even more comprehensive and memorable experience for couples celebrating their special day.
This material change of use application marks a new chapter for the Prideaux Estate, a site already cherished for its scenic beauty and peaceful atmosphere, as it moves towards becoming a full-service wedding venue that can host every aspect of a couple’s dream wedding day.
