The Sunshine Coast’s new CBD continues to expand at a relatively rapid rate but details remain scarce regarding key projects proposed for the area.
The Maroochydore City Centre now boasts multiple streets lined with high-rises and construction sites.
Sunshine Coast Council and developer Walker Corporation, which is backing the centre with a $2.5b investment, are driving progress in the 52ha area on mainly former golf course land.
Some of its features are the bold Sunshine Coast City Hall, the Maroochy Private Hospital and commercial tower 50 First Avenue.
The 248-home Sol by Walker is under construction and the region’s tallest building Celeste is planned. Long-term, the centre is expected to have 20,000 workers, 20,000 homes and 18ha of lakes and parklands.
But there remains relatively little detail about some significant proposals, announced within the past couple of years, for the area.
It’s not yet clear when, where, how, or even if, there will be a planned arena, athletes’ village and public transport station.
Walker Corp announced, in early 2025, plans for the $1 billion Horizon Centre, including a 7000-seat arena, a 1400-bed athletes’ village and a 5-star hotel.
The company’s managing director and CEO David Gallant said the arena will be “an iconic destination that delivers major events for sports, entertainment, the arts, conventions, exhibitions and other community uses”.
It was expected to be ready for the 2032 Games, while the athletes’ village would ultimately become “much-needed accommodation” after the event.
The project would be delivered as a public private partnership between Walker Corporation, private construction company Built and architects Woods Bagot.
The Horizon Centre was expected to be in close proximity to a planned public transport station, which would include a metro vehicles service as part of the multibillion-dollar transit project, dubbed The Wave, between Beerwah and Marcoola
But the Department of Transport and Main Roads has provided little detail on the station’s probable location or design.
Final route details for the stretch between Mountain Creek and Sunshine Coast Airport are expected to be revealed in 2027.
A Sunshine Coast Council representative said they were all still “potential future projects”.
“The Maroochydore City Centre is being delivered in line with the approved Priority Development Area Development Scheme (established in 2013), which provides for a mix of commercial, residential, tourism, community and recreational uses,” they said.
“Since works commenced in 2015, the precinct has continued to evolve, with future development guided by market demand and the long-term vision for the city centre.
“Potential future projects under consideration include an athletes’ village, an arena and a Wave station. These projects remain subject to ongoing planning and discussions between the Queensland Government, Sunshine Coast Council and relevant partners.
“Economic Development Queensland is the planning authority for the precinct and assesses development proposals against the approved development scheme. Any future projects will be subject to the appropriate planning, approval and community engagement processes.”
“The city centre continues to be delivered through a partnership between Council and Walker Corporation, creating a vibrant regional destination that supports jobs, housing, tourism, recreation and community outcomes.
“Development within the precinct is being delivered through this established partnership model, with Council not providing direct funding for private development projects. Any future projects would be subject to separate planning, approval and funding arrangements.”
Sunshine Coast News has reached out to Deputy Premier and Planning Minister Jarrod Bleijie, Transport Minister Brent Mickelberg and Walker Corporation for comments.
