Construction has started on a new 28-hectare town centre that is set to include homes as well as retail, commercial, entertainment and community spaces.
Developer Stockland has started work on Birtinya Central’s recently refreshed masterplan, with the future mixed-use town centre set to play an important role in the region’s growth ahead of the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games.
With anticipated development investment of about $3.72b, Birtinya Central is regarded as one of the Sunshine Coast’s most significant projects, delivering up to 2600 homes, employment and infrastructure.
The precinct could be home to about 5200 residents, support about 4200 jobs and generate around $149.8m in annual retail, hospitality and lifestyle spending.
During the development phase, the project is expected to support up to 964 full-time equivalent jobs annually.
Stockland Development Director Matt Patullo said the start of construction came at a pivotal time for the Sunshine Coast.
“Birtinya Central will help meet some of the Sunshine Coast’s biggest opportunities and challenges over the coming decade, from housing supply and job creation to infrastructure investment and preparation for Brisbane 2032,” he said.
“We’re delivering a new town centre that will bring homes, businesses, services and community spaces together in one of the region’s most connected locations, alongside the Sunshine Coast Health Precinct and future public transport infrastructure.
“Located within the emerging Olympic precinct, the project is uniquely positioned to benefit from and support region-shaping investment, most notably being The Wave and the Sunshine Coast Stadium upgrade.
“The future Birtinya station is expected to become the key interchange linking Stage 2 rail and Stage 3 metro services of The Wave’ placing Birtinya Central at the heart of a more connected region and supporting the next phase of growth on the Sunshine Coast.”
The start of works follows approval of the refreshed Birtinya Central masterplan. A feature of the refreshed vision is a central green spine, connecting the future public transport hub with Lake Kawana, the recently opened cable-stay bridge and the broader Kawana Sports Precinct.
Stockland has appointed contractor BMD to deliver the civil and infrastructure works that will underpin Birtinya Central’s public realm including earthworks, drainage, roads, and services.
The start of construction was marked by a sod turn event attended by Caloundra Kendall Hatcher, councillor Tim Burns and Fisher MP Andrew Wallace.
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Deputy Premier and Minister for State Development, Infrastructure and Planning Jarrod Bleijie MP lauded the project.
“The Sunshine Coast will absolutely be a hub of activity in the lead-up to and during the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games, with major infrastructure and investment helping shape the region’s future,” he said.
“An investment of this scale shows industry’s confidence in Queensland and its willingness to back the Sunshine Coast’s future with billions of dollars in new investment.
“We’re focused on creating the right conditions for businesses to invest, build and grow, because when businesses have confidence, Queenslanders benefit through more homes, more jobs and stronger local economies.”
Mr Wallace said the precinct was well positioned.
“I was here with Stockland back in 2018 when we marked the beginning of construction on the Birtinya Shopping Centre, so it’s particularly pleasing to see this next chapter getting underway,” he said.
“With the Sunshine Coast Health Precinct, The Wave and the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games on the horizon, Birtinya Central will play an important role in making our region the best place in Australia to learn, earn and retire.”
Councillor Burns said the start of works was “a significant milestone”.
“This development will strengthen our existing community by bringing more homes, jobs, services, and green spaces together in a vibrant and connected town centre,” he said.
“It will be exciting to experience greater convenience, more opportunities and an even better lifestyle for current and future residents.”
Economic benefits of the project – according to the Birtinya Central Economic Benefit Assessment prepared by Urbis for Stockland in Octover – are anticipated to include: about $3.72b in development investment over the construction period, including GST; about 722 to 964 FTE jobs per annum during construction; 4205 ongoing FTE jobs once operational; about $111.3 million to $148.4 million in annual GVA during construction; $630.7 million in annual GVA from ongoing operations; up to 2600 apartments, accommodating about 5200 residents; and about $149.8 million in annual retail, hospitality and lifestyle spending by future residents.
