A building dubbed the ‘Sunshine Coast’s most premium office tower’ has opened in the growing Maroochydore City Centre.
50 First Avenue, developed by Walker Corporation and delivered in partnership with Sunshine Coast Council, was officially unveiled on Wednesday.
Almost 90 per cent of the 15-storey building is already leased – by the likes of ANZ Bank, Unitywater, LPE, Mott MacDonald and Envest – prompting Walker to plan a second commercial tower in the area.
Maroochydore MP Fiona Simpson said the opening signalled a significant milestone for the Sunshine Coast’s economic future.
“The Sunshine Coast has always had the lifestyle and 50 First Avenue shows we now have the workplace to match it,” she said.
“Seeing businesses of this calibre invest in the Sunshine Coast CBD is exactly the kind of private sector investment that grows local jobs, confidence and builds a more diverse, resilient economy for the future our region.”
Sunshine Coast Mayor Rosanna Natoli said 50 First Avenue delivered on the shared vision for a world-class CBD.
“More than a decade ago, Sunshine Coast Council had a vision for a city centre that would give our community the same opportunities as Australia’s major capital cities,” she said.
“This is a significant addition to the Sunshine Coast’s commercial landscape and reinforces that Maroochydore City Centre is well and truly open for business.”
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Walker Corporation issued a press release stating that the building was the “Sunshine Coast’s most premium office tower”.
Managing director and CEO David Gallant said the popularity of 50 First Avenue was testament to confidence in the region’s future.
“We set out to create a world-class, highly connected CBD with workplaces that attract leading businesses and the people who drive them,” he said.
“To open its doors with nearly 90 per cent leased on day one is a powerful endorsement of the quality of 50 First Avenue and the strength of the Sunshine Coast ‘s office market.
“It gives us confidence to begin planning our next commercial tower here in the City Centre.
“Our commercial precincts are anchored by many of Australia’s top ASX listed organisations along with significant state and federal government departments, underscoring the enduring appeal and quality of our developments and our role as a major landlord and manager of approximately $8 billion of commercial assets.”
50 First Avenue features 10,000sqm of premium gross floor area, and expansive 1000+ sqm floorplates designed to support modern, flexible working.
It has podium parking, extensive end-of-trip facilities and a shared rooftop terrace. There is ground-floor lobby with high ceilings and a concierge service, along with a ground floor cafe.
A rooftop terrace with barbecue and kitchenette facilities offers panoramic views across the beach and hinterland.
LPE chief executive officer Scott Taylor said relocation of his business to 50 First Avenue represented a significant milestone as LPE continued to scale its energy and utility services operations.
“Our move to 50 First Avenue supports collaboration, innovation and the continued expansion of our multi-utility offering,” he said.
“Importantly, the placemaking attributes have really improved our employee experience. I also believe that our happier staff has translated to happier customers.”
Mott MacDonald state manager for Queensland Dan Caldwell said the decision to take space at 50 First Avenue reflected the company’s long-term commitment to the Sunshine Coast and its continued growth in the region.
“The Sunshine Coast is a market we believe in deeply, and we are proud to be partnering with clients, bringing together global expertise and local insight to deliver lasting benefits for the community,” he said.
“We look forward to the opportunities our modern and collaborative space at 50 First Avenue will create for our people, our clients and the wider community.
Queensland utility provider Unitywater is relocating its Northern Corporate Centre to 50 First Avenue to continue supporting the delivery of safe and reliable water and wastewater services across the Sunshine Coast, Moreton Bay and Noosa.
Sustainability is embedded in the building’s design. It includes a double-glazed facade, regenerative lifts, rooftop rainwater harvesting and energy-efficient systems, which underpin the building’s targeted 5 Star NABERS Energy and Green Star rating.
Tenants also benefit from direct fibre connectivity to the international broadband cable, supporting the speed and security modern businesses demand.
50 First Avenue sits within Australia’s first precinct connected to an automatic waste collection system, a market leading innovation that further cements Maroochydore City Centre’s credentials as one of the country’s most advanced CBDs.
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