Maroochydore CBD gateway revealed

The gateway to the future Maroochydore City Centre has been revealed with demolition of Horton Park Golf Course perimeter buildings now completed.

Mayor Mark Jamieson said the community could now begin to see the immense size and importance of the only greenfield CBD development in Australia.

“We have an approved development scheme encompassing 53 hectares of Council-owned land to transform into a future business, civic and residential centre, setting the Sunshine Coast apart from other locations across Australia,” Mayor Jamieson said

“The Maroochydore City Centre will be instrumental in building and strengthening the economic and civic base of our region.

“This massive project, which will be delivered over the next 25 years, will provide a mix of residential, commercial, retail, civic and community uses to develop a thriving and vibrant business district and city centre, complementing and enhancing Maroochydore’s existing business offering.

“The master planning process has also identified entertainment, exhibition and convention facilities, community facilities and meeting spaces, parklands, walkways, recreation areas and waterways and an enhanced public transport network.

“This is one of the most exciting chapters in Sunshine Coast’s history and Council, and the community as a whole, are fortunate to be part of this project from the very start, to see this rise from the ground in the coming years.”

Regional Projects Portfolio Councillor Tim Dwyer said the council-acquired commercial properties, from the old Dolphin Centre to the building formerly occupied by Bendigo Bank, were demolished to make way for a new intersection extending First Ave across Aerodrome Rd.

“Demolition works were completed ahead of schedule and with minimal external disruption,” Cr Dwyer said.

“The site has been graded, stabilised and seeded and fencing erected until infrastructure works can begin in 2015.

“The project team will now focus on operational works and delivering key infrastructure, such as site preparation and major services.

“A major transport access will ultimately be created through the new Maroochydore City Centre to service all of the Maroochydore business area.

“This first construction stage will be a major boost for investment confidence in the region.

“Council’s investment in the land will enable construction of much needed infrastructure to improve traffic issues and provide for future transport needs in Maroochydore and, over time, develop a civic, commercial, cultural and recreational core for the region.

“It will eventually establish Maroochydore as the leading business, employment and community services hub, which is what the region is seeking to achieve through its new economic development strategy.”

Council has embarked on more detailed precinct planning and design of the first stage of development in readiness for the golf club to vacate the site in May 2015.

Sunshine Coast Council resumed the Horton Park Golf Course site by agreement in 2012.

Mayor Jamieson said the project would be the catalyst to support existing Maroochydore commercial investment and explore new business opportunities with a focus on diversifying the economy and realising the region’s potential.

“Maroochydore City will thrive and prosper if all components – the City Centre, Sunshine Plaza, Ocean St, Duporth Ave, Aerodrome Rd and others – are connected and all doing well,” he said.

“It will be instrumental in building and strengthening our region as we strive to make Sunshine Coast the most sustainable region in Australia.

“This project has the potential to create thousands of jobs to support the construction industry, and ultimately Maroochydore will be home to many new businesses.”