Could a pedestrian mall be constructed in one of the region’s thriving coastal business centres? It can’t be ruled out, according to one Sunshine Coast councillor.
Division 2 councillor Terry Landsberg said Caloundra business leaders had discussed the possibility of creating a pedestrian-only mall or reduced traffic route through Bulcock Street, but that any plan would need to undergo extensive community consultation, traffic modelling and council consideration.
The suggestion comes as the city centre undergoes a multimillion-dollar transformation, with the site of the former council administration building recently opened for temporary public use ahead of construction of a new town square.
The idea of a pedestrian mall was raised by a resident in response to a Facebook post by Cr Landsberg about the planned town square.
“Think about making Bulcock Street into a mall?” she wrote.
She pointed to pedestrian-only town centres in Europe and suggested Indigenous musicians, buskers, plants and cafes could help create a vibrant atmosphere.
In response, Cr Landsberg wrote: “Moving forward with the town square redevelopment, this will be considered as it does have its merit, although this would need community input, but potentially a section of Bulcock Street could accommodate a mall type activity.”
Speaking with Sunshine Coast News, Cr Landsberg doubled-down on the concept and said the key would be supporting and improving pedestrian activity within the CBD.
“We are looking at opportunities to redirect traffic and maybe towards one-lane traffic, or even potentially how we could try to reduce the amount of traffic flow through a section of Bulcock,” he said.
“It is a conversation within the Caloundra Downtown Taskforce, of which I am a committee member, as well as business owners represented on that taskforce, the Chamber of Commerce and community group representatives.
“It is very early days but I believe it has merit. I would be interested in bringing the community along for that journey.
“As we continue to grow, we really want to make sure we get it right for Caloundra CBD. We want to make sure it’s well activated.”
Cr Landsberg said Caloundra would have to compete with the “huge investments” within the priority development area of Aura.
“We need to make sure Caloundra continues to be invested in and make sure people are enjoying the experience of not only shopping, but that opportunity to enjoy the town square, the new library, The Events Centre, the art gallery … and the beach.”
The development of the new square is forging ahead with demolition of the former council chambers and administration building at 77 Bulcock Street completed in August, with the space temporarily opened following turf establishment and final safety checks.
Council said the adjacent car park had also reopened, with access to Felicity Park, Omrah Avenue, Library+ and The Events Centre maintained.
Sunshine Coast Council has confirmed the permanent town square design is finalised, with construction scheduled to begin in late January 2027 and expected to take around six months to complete, weather and site conditions permitting.
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A construction tender covering a pavilion, event lawn and landscaping closes on October 27.
The project forms part of the broader $12.8 million Caloundra Community and Creative Hub project, supported by a $4 million Queensland government commitment announced in 2025.
