Major milestone as $150m Crowne Plaza Maroochydore commences

Construction of the $150 million Crowne Plaza Maroochydore officially commenced today, with a ceremonial sod turning marking a major milestone for the future of Maroochydore and the Sunshine Coast’s growing visitor economy.

The premium hotel development, located in the heart of Ocean Street, is being delivered by Felix Capital and is intended to bring internationally branded accommodation, conference facilities and new dining destinations to the region when it opens in 2028.

Fast‑tracked through Sunshine Coast Council incentives

The Crowne Plaza Maroochydore project was fast‑tracked under Sunshine Coast Council’s Hotel Investment Incentive Scheme, a targeted package of incentives designed to accelerate the delivery of new, high quality hotel rooms across the region. Crowne Plaza Maroochydore was the second major hotel development approved through the scheme, which was introduced to address a critical shortfall in branded visitor accommodation and support the region’s reputation as a year-round destination for both business and leisure.

Sunshine Coast Mayor Rosanna Natoli said the start of construction reinforced Council’s commitment to supporting the region’s growth through enabling more branded accommodation product.

The ceremonial sod turning at the Crowne Plaza Maroochydore site.

“This development is a significant win for Maroochydore and for the Sunshine Coast economy and Crowne Plaza Maroochydore is a clear example of how Council’s Hotel Investment Incentive Scheme is delivering results,” Mayor Natoli said.

“The Sunshine Coast urgently needs more branded hotel rooms to support tourism, business events and continued economic growth, particularly in the lead up to the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games, and this is now the second major hotel to be approved and progressed through the incentive program.

“Council took a bold step to attract high‑quality branded hotel investment, and we’re seeing that translate into construction activity, local jobs and long-term economic benefit for our community.”

“High quality projects like Crowne Plaza Maroochydore are essential to meeting our region’s current and future tourism and business needs, supporting events, and longer visitor stays.”

The Crowne Plaza brand

The 180‑room Crowne Plaza Maroochydore hotel will feature more than 900 square metres of premium meeting and event space, including a 600 square metre ballroom, making it one of the region’s most significant conference venues.

Guests will also enjoy a suite of resort style amenities including a 30‑metre swimming pool and spa, gym, sauna and secure basement parking, alongside a curated food and beverage offering. This will include an all‑day dining restaurant, a 160‑seat signature dining venue, outdoor pool bar and lounge, and a lobby bar designed to activate the street and surrounds.

Sitting atop the hotel, the AER Residence will comprise 24 luxury two and three bedroom apartments, delivering an elevated residential offering within Maroochydore’s evolving city centre.

The Crowne Plaza brand, part of the global IHG Hotels & Resorts portfolio, is internationally recognised for business and leisure travel, further strengthening Maroochydore’s appeal to domestic and international visitors.