The first new store in Sunshine Coast Airport’s $170 million terminal redevelopment has opened, offering travellers food, travel essentials and locally made products.
Airport CEO Chris Mills said the opening of Relay represented the start of a significant transformation of retail, dining and service offerings within the terminal.
“Relay is the first new venue to open as part of a major transformation of the airport experience and provides a glimpse of what’s still to come,” he said.
“It’s exciting to see the new Relay travel essentials store now open, offering passengers a wide range of products for their journey while also showcasing locally sourced Sunshine Coast products.
“This store, and those still to come, will give travellers an authentic taste of the Sunshine Coast from the moment they arrive, while creating valuable opportunities for local businesses and producers.
“This is just the beginning of a broader retail vision that will see future stages of the terminal redevelopment deliver a dedicated Discover Sunshine Coast experience, celebrating the products and businesses that make our region such a sought-after destination.
“We want the Sunshine Coast story to begin the moment passengers walk through our terminal.”
The airport has a partnership with Lagardère AWPL to transform the airport’s retail offerings.
Lagardère AWPL CEO Costa Kouros said opening the new store was a key step in the facility’s transformation.
“Welcoming travellers into the very first Relay store at Sunshine Coast Airport is a fantastic milestone for our team,” he said.
“This marks the first of eight new retail and dining concepts we will deliver in partnership with the airport.
“We’ve designed this modern space around what travellers need on the move, combining everyday travel essentials, fresh food and coffee, health and beauty and a carefully curated collection of local, national and global offerings.”
Sunshine Coast Mayor Rosanna Natoli said the opening of Relay was a key step in enhancing the experience for the millions of visitors who travel through the airport year on year and reinforces the region’s opportunities to create local-to-global connections.
“Providing travellers with access to locally made products from the moment they arrive, or before they depart, helps showcase the unique character of the Sunshine Coast and supports local businesses to reach new markets,” she said.
“Whether it’s a gift, something to eat or a piece to treasure, having local products on show is a wonderful addition to the area.
“This investment aligns with the goals of our Regional Economic Development Strategy, which seeks to build a stronger, more resilient economy by leveraging our region’s local enterprise, creating jobs and enhancing our reputation as one of Australia’s most desirable places to visit, live and do business.”
Maleny Chocolates managing director Troy Wainwright said they were thrilled to be stocking their items in the new store.
“We’re extremely happy with our partnership with Lagardère AWPL,” he said.
“Through Lagardère, Maleny Chocolate has been able to reach thousands of travellers passing through Sunshine Coast Airport, many of whom may be discovering our products for the first time.
“Whether they’re looking for a taste of the region to take home as a gift or simply something special to enjoy on their journey, being part of the airport retail experience introduces our brand to a much broader audience and allows travellers to take a little piece of the Sunshine Coast with them.”
Nutworks international sales manager Sarah Leonard said the opportunity to showcase their products at the airport was a gamechanger.
“Nutworks has always been about the journey from our growers’ orchards: real, honest produce grown and made with care right here on the Sunshine Coast, the heart of Macadamia country,” she said.
“Our partnership with Lagardère AWPL at the airport gives that journey a much bigger reach.
“Suddenly, we’re not just connecting with our local community and visitors who seek us out, we’re reaching travellers from every corner of Australia and the world, many of whom are tasting Nutworks for the very first time.”
Future venues are set to include a new all-day dining outlet, a coffee house, a burger and beer outlet and, for the first time, a dedicated self-serve dessert bar.
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The remaining new restaurants and retail outlets will be opened in a phased approach as part of the terminal expansion, with all expected to be in operation by late 2027.
The airport began its terminal redevelopment in October. It will include more retail food and beverage offerings, an expanded departure lounge, and an increase in airline capacity with two new gates.
The first stage of the redevelopment was completed in February , with the opening of new outbound baggage facility.
The airport was declared a Priority Development Area in 2023, with a new Development Scheme taking effect in 2024.
As part of the new development scheme, the first development area, the Gateway Precinct, was approved in November. Permitted development includes a hotel, retail expansion, childcare, medical, shopping and other services.
