Strong foundations: The secret to Belmo’s Hastings Street success

There are few names in Australian luxury holiday accommodation as instantly recognisable as Number One Hastings Street. Sitting quietly at the southern end of Hastings Street, where the bustle of Noosa village softens into sand, sea and sky, this landmark property has long held a special place in Noosa’s accommodation story.

Now, after more than twelve months behind the scenes, the 24-apartment property has reopened, refreshed, strengthened and carefully future-proofed, while remaining unmistakably itself.

Operated by Belmo Group, the return of Number One Hastings Street is not a reinvention. It is a considered evolution. The same relaxed luxury, the same generous proportions, the same coveted location. Just with a quieter confidence that comes from knowing its foundations are solid.

First published in the February edition of Resort News. Read it HERE

A location that defines the Noosa experience 

Number One Hastings Street occupies a rare and privileged position beside Noosa Main Beach. The resort enjoys the relaxed rhythm of beachside living and offers guests easy access to swimming, paddleboarding and long, unhurried beach walks, where days tend to unfold at a gentler pace.

At the same time, it enjoys a sense of separation from the busier stretch of Hastings Street. From the property, guests are just steps from the sand, while a short wander in the other direction leads to cafés, restaurants, boutiques and galleries. A leisurely stroll connects directly to Noosa National Park, where coastal walking tracks wind past headlands, hidden coves and native wildlife.

It is this balance that has always defined Number One Hastings Street. Coastal tranquillity paired with village life; privacy paired with proximity. For many returning guests, it is a place woven into family traditions, summer rituals and milestone celebrations.

Spacious living, designed for staying awhile

True to its name, Number One Hastings Street has never chased trends or density. The apartments are among the most spacious on Hastings Street, designed for guests who value room to spread out and settle in.

One-, two- and three-bedroom apartments, along with breathtaking penthouses, feature open-plan living areas, full kitchens and expansive balconies or terraces that draw the outdoors in. Many apartments enjoy views across Laguna Bay, with the sound of the ocean a constant presence throughout the resort. The penthouses, in particular, offer elevated vantage points and generous outdoor spaces that invite slow mornings and long evenings overlooking the water.

The accommodation style is delightfully relaxed rather than showy. Light-filled interiors, coastal tones and functional layouts prioritise comfort, privacy and ease. It is luxury that does not need to announce itself.

A significant renewal beneath the surface

While the refreshed presentation is immediately apparent, the most important work at Number One Hastings Street happened out of sight.

The building has undergone a comprehensive structural and aesthetic renewal delivered by McNab Building Services on behalf of the body corporate. The scope of works responded directly to the realities facing ageing coastal buildings, where salt, moisture and time place increasing pressure on structure and services.

The coordinated programme included full exterior repainting, waterproofing, concrete remediation and corrosion control, alongside custom-fabricated metalwork designed to improve longevity while respecting the beachside setting.

A major element of the project was the replacement of the building’s main lift and the refurbishment of the inclinator system, a defining feature of the property given its sloping site. S

everal inclinator components were custom designed and manufactured to integrate seamlessly with the existing infrastructure, extending the life of the system and improving reliability for owners and guests alike.

Externally, landscaping upgrades introduced new retaining walls, planting, irrigation systems and lighting, improving both street appeal and long-term performance.

Projects of this nature are becoming increasingly common as coastal buildings reach a critical age. Around the 20-to-30-year mark, deterioration tends to accelerate, particularly in coastal environments. Number One Hastings Street demonstrates what can be achieved when a body corporate takes a proactive, long-term approach. Acting early to protect the asset helps avoid far more disruptive and costly repairs later.

Strengthening the operational backbone

Alongside the building renewal, Belmo Group used the closure period to strengthen the property’s operational platform.

According to CEO David Assef, the focus was on ensuring the asset remains competitive in one of Australia’s most tightly held accommodation markets.

“The works were primarily about future-proofing the building and protecting the long-term integrity of the asset,” he says. “At the same time, we strengthened the operational platform with expanded centralised housekeeping storage, a new property management system and refreshed professional photography that better reflects the quality of the property.”

For the first time, Number One Hastings Street now offers instant booking through its direct website and has been added to online travel agents, broadening its distribution strategy while supporting sustainable income growth for owners.

Read about David Assef HERE:A long view on leadership, assets and people

The importance of the right partners

For Belmo Group, projects of this scale and sensitivity are never delivered in isolation.

As Managing Director Ben Orton explains, partnering with industry-specific professionals is critical to managing risk, protecting value and ensuring decisions are made with clarity.

“Hospitality assets are complex,” Orton says. “You need advisors who genuinely understand the sector, the structures and the pressures that come with it. That expertise makes a real difference.”

From an acquisition and governance perspective, Belmo works closely with accountants Holmans, whose role extends well beyond standard compliance.

“The team at Holmans provide rigorous financial verification on every acquisition, delivering clarity, accuracy and confidence at purchase,” Orton says. “Their commercial insight and dependable collaboration are integral to achieving successful outcomes across all transactions for Belmo Group.”

On the legal side, long-standing partner Pevy Lawyers supports Belmo across hotel and accommodation transactions, bringing deep sector knowledge to due diligence and execution.

“We have been working with Pevy Lawyers for many years,” Orton says. “They are our trusted legal advisors on all hotel transactions, expertly managing due diligence and execution with precision. Their proactive approach and understanding of the sector make them an essential partner for us.”  

That long-standing relationship has extended beyond transactional support. Pevy Lawyers has also provided strategic advice around growth opportunities and operational matters as Belmo has expanded its portfolio. The acquisition of Number One Hastings Street marked a continuation of that role, with the transaction presenting unique complexities due to the sale occurring immediately prior to a shutdown of the building, says Trent Pevy.

Operationally, technology partnerships also play a key role. Belmo’s collaboration with Resly reflects the group’s focus on systems that support both performance and the realities of on-site operations.

Together, these partnerships form part of Belmo Group’s broader strategy of surrounding each asset with experienced, sector-focused professionals who bring confidence, consistency and long-term thinking to every stage of ownership and operation.

The Belmo Group philosophy in practice

The approach taken at Number One Hastings Street reflects the broader philosophy of Belmo Group, a business built on long-term thinking, disciplined execution and genuine respect for owners, guests and on-site teams.

Founded in 2011, Belmo Group has grown steadily through premium residential, resort and short-stay accommodation, with a focus on asset stewardship rather than short-term wins. Its leadership team brings together deep experience in construction, operations and hospitality management, allowing the group to operate confidently in complex stakeholder environments.

As CEO, David Assef leads with a strong emphasis on clarity, transparency and alignment.

“In a business like ours, trust is currency,” he says. “Premium assets demand premium governance. Clear communication and long-term thinking are critical, particularly during periods of capital investment.”

A familiar favourite, quietly elevated

Now welcoming guests again, Number One Hastings Street feels comfortingly familiar. The location remains iconic. The apartments are generous, private and thoughtfully designed. The connection to beach and village life remains effortless.

What has changed is the confidence that comes from knowing the building has been strengthened for the future and the operation positioned for its next chapter.

For Noosa, it marks the return of a long-held favourite. For owners, it offers reassurance. And for guests, it delivers the same warm welcome and relaxed luxury the property has long been known for.

The Summer edition of AccomNews is out now. Read it HERE