Maroochydore City Centre enters new era

Sunshine Coast Council and its partners, SunCentral Maroochydore Pty Ltd and Walker Corporation, are welcoming a new era for the Maroochydore City Centre, with amendments to its Development Scheme to reshape the vibrancy and attractiveness of the CBD now in place. 

The amendments to the Development Scheme – which were the subject of public consultation in September -October 2023 – reshape the major open space and waterways and provide a platform for the Maroochydore City Centre to progressively take over the mantle as Australia’s most liveable city.

Sunshine Coast Council Customer and Planning Services Group Executive Debra Robinson welcomed the adoption earlier this month of Amendment No. 3 to the Development Scheme for the Maroochydore City Centre Priority Development Area (PDA) by the Minister of Economic Development Queensland, the Honourable Grace Grace MP.

“The existing Development Scheme was nearly a decade old, so with the advent of the partnership between Council, SunCentral and Walker Corporation, the opportunity was taken to achieve an even better design and placemaking outcome for the Maroochydore City Centre than that which had previously been envisaged,” Ms Robinson said.

“The amendment aims to deliver greater community outcomes by creating a more consolidated open space experience, showcasing a more attractive and contemporary city heart and making it easier for people to access the area.

“The amendment allows for a centralised park and waterways providing more accessible public open space than the original masterplan.

“The amendment also enhances the recreational opportunities available in the City Centre, providing the means to activate the parkland, creating a hub for outdoor celebrations and community gatherings.

“Cost efficiencies will also be realised through the consolidation of open spaces and waterways, as the delivery of the associated infrastructure will be more straightforward and the ongoing operational and maintenance requirements for Council will be less complicated. 

“The central lake provides additional recreational opportunities and offers diverse waterfront experiences and a picturesque outlook.

“The co-location of the proposed exhibition and convention facility with the future transit station will better enable visitors to access the facility by public transport.

“This would also locate the exhibition and convention facility near the gateway to the city heart.

“Council, SunCentral and Walker Corporation want to ensure the new city centre is well primed to take full advantage of future infrastructure investment in the region.

“This includes the Sunshine Coast Public Transport project, the infrastructure associated with the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games and, ultimately, the Sunshine Coast Direct Rail connection.”

Walker Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer David Gallant said the late Lang Walker AO would have been incredibly proud to see his grand vision evolve for the Maroochydore City Centre.

“Lang and the Walker team worked with the Council and SunCentral to make these improvements to the masterplan which will ultimately drive a more functional and versatile city centre, accommodating better activation of the public spaces and the commercial and residential precincts within,” Mr Gallant said. 

“With these new changes, our partnership is now in a great position to ensure Maroochydore City Centre thrives by designing green, open spaces, cleverly integrated with transport and social infrastructure which will enhance the overall liveability and useability and bring great economic and jobs outcomes for the Sunshine Coast region.”

To find out more about the Maroochydore City Centre PDA Development project, including completed buildings, infrastructure and landscapes, visit Council’s website, www.sunshinecoast.qld.gov.au.