More than 150 businesses are backing a petition calling on the local council to find another location for a town information centre earmarked for demolition.
A petition has been submitted to Sunshine Coast Council, appealing to relocate the Caloundra Visitor Information Centre, which is set to be torn down for a new town square.
The facility, at 77 Bulcock Street, is set to be replaced by green space that would link the main street to key venues including the new Library+ Caloundra, the Caloundra Regional Gallery and The Events Centre.
Councillor Terry Landsberg, who presented the petition to council, said the information centre played a significant role and efforts should be made to establish it elsewhere.
“The petition submitted was focused on the retailers and business community of the Caloundra CBD, and the importance of local input and providing that personal experience and engagement which we all love, especially when visiting a new area for the first time,” he told Sunshine Coast News.
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The centre has operated for more than two decades, including the past four at its current location.
“(It is) powered by a dedicated team of volunteers who offer more than just directions and brochures.
“We have volunteers who have been providing their services for over 20 years.
“Our volunteers, many of whom are retirees, cannot be left aside. They contribute an amazing benefit to our community.”
The centre had averaged 422 enquiries, from locals and tourists, per month since 2021.
“It is a great example of what happens when passionate locals come together to support their town,” he said.
“The centre is a hub for connection, with local pride and economic support for our town.”
Cr Landsberg said, during the council meeting, that more than 150 businesses were backing the petition, which had 162 signatures.
He said potential relocation sites were being considered.
“We have several locations that could possibly accommodate the information centre, and those discussions are ongoing.”
A council spokesperson said the new town square would be a key part of the Caloundra Community and Creative Hub, which will encompass the new library, regional gallery, The Events Centre and the town square.
“The project will open up the city centre, creating a seamless pedestrian link, more green space and a welcoming public precinct at the gateway to the Sunshine Coast’s southern city,” they said.
Council recently appointed Urbis as the lead consultant to develop the detailed design for the proposed town square, which is funded by the council and state government.
“The town square design includes green open spaces, lighting, improved pathways and pedestrian friendly streetscapes on Omrah and Otranto avenues, connecting the new town square to the main street,” the spokesperson said.
“The project represents a major milestone in the broader Caloundra Centre Activation Project.
“By connecting key destinations and improving public spaces, we’re creating the kind of lively, people-centric town centre that attracts new business, investment and community life”.
The detailed design of the town square has started and is expected to be completed during the next 12 months, with construction starting from mid-2026. Work is anticipated to be completed by mid-2027.
Demolition of the information centre, which is in an old council administration building, is scheduled to start in early-2026.
The petition titled ‘Provide a suitable site for relocation of Caloundra Community Information Centre’ was referred to the council CEO “for consideration and appropriate action”.
The aerial imagery in this story is from Australian location intelligence company Nearmap. The company provides government organisations, architectural, construction and engineering firms, and other companies, with easy, instant access to high-resolution aerial imagery, city-scale 3D content, artificial intelligence data sets, and geospatial tools to assist with urban planning, monitoring and development projects in Australia, New Zealand and North America.
