Construction has started on a 13-storey hotel development that is set to boost accommodation supply ahead of the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games.
Work is underway on Crowne Plaza Maroochydore, on Ocean Street in the heart of the Sunshine Coast.
The milestone was marked by a sod-turning ceremony on Thursday, and construction is anticipated to be completed by 2028.
The project comes amid expectations the region will require more than 2400 additional rooms – about 10 new hotels – in the lead-up to the Games and beyond.
Crowne Plaza Maroochydore Sunshine Coast, part of IHG Hotels & Resorts’ premium portfolio, will feature 180 guest rooms alongside more than 900sqm of meeting and event space, including a 600sqm ballroom. The hotel will also include a 30m pool, gym, sauna, and secure basement parking across two levels.
Food and beverage offerings will include a 167-seat all-day dining restaurant, a 180-seat outdoor pool bar and lounge, a ground-floor signature dining venue, and a lobby bar.
IHG Hotels & Resorts will operate the hotel under its globally recognised premium Crowne Plaza brand.
Development firm Felix Capital director Michael Maroun said the start of construction was a critical step in supporting the region’s rapid growth.
“This project is about more than delivering a hotel, it’s about supporting the Sunshine Coast’s transformation into a world-class destination ahead of the Olympics and beyond,” he said.
“Maroochydore is fast emerging as a major commercial and lifestyle hub for the region and our project will put Ocean Street and Maroochydore at the epicentre of development over the next few years.”
IHG Hotels & Resorts managing director, Australasia & Pacific, Matthew Tripolone said the Sunshine Coast is evolving rapidly as a business and leisure destination.
“We are seeing strong demand for high-quality, internationally branded accommodation,” he said.
“This project is well positioned to support that growth and meet increasing demand ahead of 2032 and beyond.”
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The development also includes AER Residences, which will comprise 24 luxury two and three-bedroom apartments across the top four levels of the hotel with prices starting from $1.65 million.
Mr Maroun said there was plenty of interest.
“While it’s still early days of our marketing campaign, we are seeing strong demand with 25 per cent of the apartments already sold,” he said.
“The majority of sales have been to owner-occupiers who want to be part of Maroochydore’s growth while living in a spacious architecturally designed home with select access to the Crowne Plaza’s facilities while also being within walking distance to major shopping, dining, sporting and medical facilities.”
The Crowne Plaza Maroochydore project was fast‑tracked under Sunshine Coast Council’s Hotel Investment Incentive Scheme, a targeted package of incentives designed to accelerate the delivery of new, high quality hotel rooms across the region.
Crowne Plaza Maroochydore was the second major hotel development approved through the scheme, which was introduced to address a critical shortfall in branded visitor accommodation and support the region’s reputation as a year-round destination for both business and leisure.
Sunshine Coast Mayor Rosanna Natoli said the start of construction reinforced Council’s commitment to supporting the region’s growth through enabling more branded accommodation product.
“This development is a significant win for Maroochydore and for the Sunshine Coast economy and Crowne Plaza Maroochydore is a clear example of how Council’s Hotel Investment Incentive Scheme is delivering results,” she said.
“The Sunshine Coast urgently needs more branded hotel rooms to support tourism, business events and continued economic growth, particularly in the lead up to the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games, and this is now the second major hotel to be approved and progressed through the incentive program.
“Council took a bold step to attract high‑quality branded hotel investment, and we’re seeing that translate into construction activity, local jobs and long-term economic benefit for our community.”
“High quality projects like Crowne Plaza Maroochydore are essential to meeting our region’s current and future tourism and business needs, supporting events, and longer visitor stays.”
