Exciting new chapter begins for this coastal community

A new creative and community heart that will transform a prominent coastal centre has taken a huge step forward.

This follows the selection of leading local construction company, Hutchinson Builders (Hutchies), as the successful bidder to repurpose the Caloundra administration building into an integrated community facility with a district library and community meeting spaces.

Construction is expected to start this month, with completion scheduled for 2025.

Sunshine Coast Council Division 2 Councillor Terry Landsberg welcomed the appointment of Hutchies.

Cr Landsberg said awarding the $34.8 million building contract would play a major role in attracting more people to the city centre, boosting business and events and better connecting the community.

“It will deliver significant social, community and economic benefits, and support educational and creative development in our region by giving our residents access to a modern facility which will help keep them abreast of new technologies and innovations,” Cr Landsberg said.

“Designed by Wilson Architects, with sustainability at its core design response, Caloundra’s new state-of-the-art Library+ will include features that will reduce environmental impact and embrace the Sunshine Coast climate.

“Establishing a new contemporary district library in the heart of the Community + Creative Hub will provide an integrated space connecting The Events Centre, the proposed new Regional Gallery, and new Town Square, through to Bulcock Street.”

The three-storey building is targeting a minimum 5 Star Green Star Design and As Built rating.

It will include a contemporary district library, a customer service centre and community spaces on the first two levels.

Council administration and councillor offices and additional bookable meeting spaces will be located on the top floor.

Hutchies’ Team Leader Rob Morrison said the company was thrilled to have been selected to create this important community facility.

“Our team, based locally in Maroochydore, is committed to delivering a high-quality, sustainable, and innovative building that will serve the needs of the Caloundra and Sunshine Coast community for generations to come,” Mr Morrison said.

“The benefits from a project of this nature have a flow on affect to many local contractors, suppliers and businesses and it is anticipated that up to 500 workers may be involved throughout the course of construction.”

Cr Landsberg said Hutchinson Builders had a strong track record delivering large-scale, complex projects, and was well-known for its commitment to sustainability and innovation.

“They have a team of experienced professionals who will work closely with the project stakeholders to ensure that the new district library and community space meets the needs of the community and exceeds their expectations,” he said.

You can find out more information on Council’s website. Visit sunshinecoast.qld.gov.au and search “Caloundra Centre Activation Project.

To stay up to date on Caloundra precinct projects; including the new Library+, Regional Gallery and Community + Creative Hub, please