A city centre venture on the Sunshine Coast has been acknowledged with a major planning award.
The Maroochydore City Centre project was recognised with the Strategic Planning Project Award for Excellence, at the Queensland Awards for Planning Excellence, hosted by the Planning Institute of Australia.
PIA Queensland president Sean Cullen praised the initiative.
“The Maroochydore City Centre project exemplifies the innovation, collaboration, and long-term thinking key to good planning and creating great places for people,” he said.
A media release from the PIA outlined the project’s impact.
“A landmark in urban planning and design, this project exemplifies the transformative potential of public and private collaboration to create a vibrant, future-ready city centre within an existing urban landscape,” it stated.
The PIA judges explained why it won.
“The Maroochydore City Centre project stands out as a remarkable example of planning for a new city centre within an existing urban context,” they said.
“The judges were particularly impressed by how this project illustrates local government as a catalyst for change and progress, providing economic stimulus and innovative infrastructure that underpin this transformative city initiative.
“The planning and development of the Maroochydore City Centre is redefining a region traditionally characterised by suburban growth, establishing a vibrant hub of commercial and cultural activity that prioritises outstanding liveability, technology, and innovation.”
The city centre is in the midst of construction.
It is already home to multiple multi-storey buildings.
Some of the completed developments include the A1 commercial building, the Sunshine Coast Council City Hall, the Market Lane residential towers, the Holiday Inn Express Hotel & Suites and also Foundation Place. Construction is underway on 50 First Avenue, a world-class hospital and The Corso residential tower, while a $220m development application was recently lodged for the two-tower Sol by Walker.
It will continue to develop in years to come, with a central lake to be included as a focal point.
Sunshine Coast mayor Rosanna Natoli told Sunshine Coast News the city centre was evolving in earnest, and she was delighted with the award.
“More than a decade ago, Sunshine Coast Council envisioned a futuristic city centre,” she said. “Now, this vision is becoming a reality with completed buildings, ongoing construction on a commercial tower and a world-class hospital, and planning underway for a residential development with commercial tenancies.
“Maroochydore City Centre is emerging as a commercial hub, attracting businesses and creating thousands of local jobs.
“The new masterplan for Australia’s largest greenfield CBD is being delivered.
“This auspicious award is evidence of the sound strategic planning undertaken by the partnership.
“Over the next 15-20 years, it (the centre) will accommodate 10,000 residents, 4000 new apartments, 240,000 sqm of commercial and retail space, a 6.5-hectare waterway and more than 10 hectares of parklands.”
SunCentral Maroochydore CEO Amanda Yeates also welcomed the award.
“This award acknowledges the strong partnership between SunCentral, Sunshine Coast Council and Walker and our shared commitment to deliver a vibrant new city heart for the region,” she said.
“As Australia’s largest greenfield CBD, Maroochydore City Centre is setting a new benchmark for urban renewal, demonstrating what can be achieved when innovative planning and sustainable design come together.”
Walker Corporation managing director and chief executive officer David Gallant also welcomed the award.
“We are proud to receive this award for Planning Excellence, which recognises the enhanced placemaking and city making outcomes for the Maroochydore City Centre,” he said.
“The new masterplan provides over 18 hectares of lakes and parklands which will redefine what it means to live in a city where all of the lifestyle benefits sit at your doorstep, only a short walk to some of the best beaches in the country.
‘The city centre is thriving with the construction of 50 First Avenue, well progressed which will welcome another 1000 workers per day into the city centre in late 2025.
“We look forward to launching our first residential project SOL by Walker in the new year as we continue to attract strong interest from people wanting to live and work in the city centre.”
The PIA Queensland Awards for Planning Excellence, held in Brisbane, gathered over 300 industry leaders to celebrate the achievements of planners, consultants, and local governments across Queensland.
The awards highlighted projects that enhance the state’s communities, setting new standards for strategic and sustainable development.
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