Snapshot of Comiskey Group's grand plans

One of the region’s biggest developers The Comiskey Group, owner of the Eatons Hill and Sandstone Point Hotels, has big expansion plans.

In the last four weeks alone new projects have been unveiled, teasers released for others .... and there may be more.

It is part of the group’s aim to double its portfolio and the number of employees – currently standing at 385 - in the next two years.

“We are always looking for new opportunities in Moreton Bay and the greater South-East Queensland, whether in high profile sites or sites we believe have potential for growth,” Comiskey Group Director Robert Comiskey said.

“Our decision to acquire a property is based on functionality, location and price.

“Almost every day of the week land offers are rejected and our proposed plan is unsuccessful … but we continue to stay vigilant, looking for the right properties and discussing ideas for what’s next.”

That includes the new Strathpine Hotel and Recreation Centre, corner of Kremzow and Gympie Rds, a new Dakabin Hotel and plans for a Comiskey Distillery may soon be released.

These will join two major hotels and four shopping centres, among others, in the Comiskey Group's growing stable.

While the family business roots have been in Moreton Bay Region for almost half a century, they are now expanding north.

“Recently, we have begun taking our operations into the Sunshine Coast, buying a 150-hectare festival site in Coochin Creek and announcing the development of a hotel and entertainment centre in Australia’s largest master planned community, Stockland Aura”, Mr Comiskey said.

However, over the years, not every bid or proposal has been accepted or approved.

“One of the most notable projects that never came to fruition was for a multi-use club, office space and resort accommodation on the former Tulip Town shopping centre site (corner Brays Red and Anzac Ave) in Kallangur,” Mr Comiskey said.

“The group applied for the 5.3ha site in 2017 which was for sale by tender. We were pretty passionate about the project and believed it would have been a great addition to the area.”

A retail and residential development is currently being constructed on the site.

The Comiskey Group’s roots go back 48 years when Paul Comiskey built a squash fitness centre in Strathpine.

Australia’s first indoor skatepark was added to it in 1988, then both made way for Mr Comiskey’s first shopping centre.

In 2001 Mr Comiskey and his sons Robert and David, launched Finnigan’s Chins Irish pubs, the first being in Kallangur, and three years later they formed the Comiskey Group.

They built and operated 37 Tadpoles childcare centres, the first opened in Burpengary, from 2004-2010 and then sold the business.

Beachmere Tavern (now Beachmere Hotel) and shopping centre was launched in 2007 and in 2011 Eatons Hill Hotel, the largest pub in the southern hemisphere, opened with such as Prince, Ice Cube and Post Malone having now graced its stage.

The same year, land at Sandstone Point was bought and in 2015 became home to the Sandstone Point Hotel. The Beach Boys starred as its first outdoor concert.

Other developments to join the portfolio include Cashmere Shopping Centre, Eatons Hill Shopping Village, Coles Buderim, BIG 4 Sandstone Point Holiday Resort and Burpengary Station Village.