Construction on a major upgrade of a hinterland town’s CBD is set to start next month.
Sunshine Coast Council has appointed Kuluin-based contractor Disc Landscapes to deliver the Maple Street, Maleny streetscape project, with works expected to begin from June 22 and be completed by the end of the year, weather permitting.
The project will focus on improving safety, accessibility and pedestrian movement along Maple Street, with upgrades to include smoother and wider footpaths, raised crossings, seating, gathering spaces and more than 1500 new plants, trees and shrubs.
Additional works will include upgraded street furniture, lighting, wayfinding signage and cultural heritage interpretation elements.
Construction will start at the lower end of Maple Street near the IGA, with council saying the staged approach was designed to reduce disruption ahead of the busy Christmas trading period.
Council is also working with the Department of Transport and Main Roads to coordinate construction activities and minimise impacts across the town centre.
The streetscape overhaul follows several years of consultation and planning, with the project emerging from the Maple Street Streetscape Concept Plan developed through community engagement during 2022 and 2023.
More than 200 residents, business owners and visitors contributed through surveys, pop-ups, forums and community discussions.
Sunshine Coast Mayor Rosanna Natoli said construction marked a major milestone for the project.
“This upgrade will improve safety and accessibility while protecting and celebrating the special country-town character that locals value so deeply,” she said.
State Member for Glass House Andrew Powell said the project would improve both safety and the visitor experience in the hinterland town.
“Projects like this are about delivering safety where you live while also enhancing the experience for visitors who come to enjoy everything our hinterland has to offer,” he said.
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Council said landscaping would play a major role in the redesign, with additional trees and greenery planned to improve shade and comfort throughout the town centre.
A heritage trail is also being developed in partnership with Maleny Commerce and a local historian.
Works are jointly funded by Sunshine Coast Council and the state government.
