A revamp of one of the Sunshine Coast’s most well-known streets is expected to be finished before Christmas.
There’s a new look to Ocean Street in Maroochydore, including a 240m road mural, decorative lighting, improved street furniture and safety measures.
A Sunshine Coast Council spokesperson said the $700,000 upgrade should enhance the popular nightlife strip, which is home to several restaurants and bars, and make it a “more vibrant and welcoming destination”.
“The streetscape refresh is intended to deliver long term benefits to the local business community, property owners, visitors and the extended Sunshine Coast community,” they said.
Improvements to street furniture and fixings, along with repainted kerbs, were completed in September, while decorative lighting was also installed “to brighten up the precinct”.
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Resurfacing works were completed, to prepare for the stamped street mural, in October.
The mural serves a dual purpose: to create a fresh, bright look and to highlight the area as pedestrian friendly.
“The colourful mural spans the length and width of Ocean Street and aims to reinforce a shared zone to improve safety and enhance aesthetics with a coastal concept,” the spokesperson said.
“The design aims to remind drivers to slow down and give way to pedestrians along the Safe Night Precinct.”
The locally-designed art was delivered with a special surface treatment that is more durable than paint “ensuring a longer lasting and crisper outcome”.
The mural and line marking works, including parking bays, were completed in early November, a week ahead of schedule.
Councillor Taylor Bunnag said the project was well worth it.
“Inspired by the sun, surf and sand of Maroochydore, the shared zone for pedestrians now has a very colourful and distinct statement,” he said via social media.
“I’ve had a few people ask: ‘Why are we doing this?’ Ocean Street businesses have been asking for a revitalisation for many years. We want to help create spaces that generate growth in our night-time economy.
“The mural is one small part of it. We’ve installed tree lighting, with more creative lighting to come. We’ve invested in more frequent late night bus services on Friday and Saturday, with a closer bus stop. We know there is private investment planned as well in the area.
“We’ve (also) worked closely with the police to help advocate for better public safety measures through initiatives like Coffee with a Cop.”
The project was shaped by the council’s collaboration with local businesses and community groups.
The council spokesperson said information sessions were held with traders and community representatives to co-develop key elements of the refresh to “reflect the character and needs of those who live, work and invest in the area”.
“The street print and broader beautification works are a direct response to calls from local businesses for a more vibrant, welcoming and economically confident precinct, particularly in support of the night-time economy,” they said.
“Council worked closely with local creatives and contractors to deliver a streetscape design that enhances safety, celebrates the street’s coastal identity and supports activation.”
The finishing touches, including adding gobo lights with images projected on to the road and pathways, were expected to be put in place.
The spokesperson said the project should be complete ahead of Christmas and “in time for the busy peak retail and visitor season”.
