Green light for new City Hall

The development application for Sunshine Coast Council’s new City Hall building has been approved, providing a further catalyst for development in the Maroochydore City Centre.

Economic Development Queensland (EDQ) – which is an agency of the Queensland Government - announced the approval today.

The City Hall building will be built on the corner of First Avenue and South Sea Islander Way and be one of the first buildings in the City Centre.

Sunshine Coast Mayor Mark Jamieson said the approval marked an important milestone, both for the Maroochydore City Centre project and in the development of a new administrative hub for council – a project that will create strong, long-term community benefits.

“Construction of the City Hall, which will be the community’s seat of local democracy, will create local jobs and provide another catalyst for investment and more construction in the Maroochydore City Centre project,” Mayor Jamieson said.

Mayor Jamieson said City Hall was something council had been working on for some time, so it would be exciting to see this healthy, smart and creative project move to its next phase.

“The council team working with EDQ have done a great job in reaching this point and I commend everyone involved in the project to date.”

“Detailed design for the building is currently being finalised and in the coming weeks, shortlisted contractors will submit their tenders to be involved in the construction phase of this exciting development,” he said

The preferred construction partner is expected to be known by December 2019.

“The City Hall building will be a key feature in our vibrant city heart and will include retail and community spaces, as well as office accommodation for council staff,” he said.

The approved building guidelines endorsed by council for the City Hall are:

• Approximately 9,400m² Gross Floor Area of building
• 10 levels and rooftop
• Approximately 156 car parking spaces
• 5 star National Australian Built Environment Rating System rating target
• 5 star Green Star rating target
• Regional A grade commercial building
• Complementary commercial/retail uses.

Council CEO Michael Whittaker said City Hall would be centrally located within the first stage of the core commercial precinct of the Maroochydore City Centre.

“It will be home to about 600 council employees and is part of a region-wide workplace strategy to service the community by providing the right people, delivering the right services at the right location,” Mr Whittaker said.

“Consistent with council’s previous decisions, council will retain staff and facilities at both Nambour and Caloundra.

“In addition to delivering an administration function, City Hall will also provide broader community activation opportunities through commercial spaces.”

Construction is expected to start in mid-2020, and City Hall will be occupied in the second half of 2022.