New lease of life for flagship tourist site

A brand new 13-storey hotel in a world-class destination offering a stunning rooftop bar, pool, restaurant and a conference and wedding venue is set to transform a popular Coastal seaside suburb.

Construction works will start in September for the long-awaited $250 million 4.5-star property, on the corner of Brisbane Road and First Avenue at Mooloolaba.

Sunshine Coast Council has given the green light with the finalisation of development approvals for the key project that will help boost the local economy through the creation of jobs and bring tourists to the region.

Designed by renowned architect Cottee Parker Architects and developed by hotel developer and operator, KPAT, the new hotel will feature 180 rooms and deliver a trendy modern experience that will be a hit with visitors and locals.

It will cater to solo travellers, couples, groups and families and feature four distinctive restaurants, state-of-the-art meeting and conference facilities, kids’ club, gym and spectacular rooftop pool, bar, restaurant and wedding venue with 180-degree water views.

Sunshine Coast Council Division 4 Councillor Joe Natoli said the project would be transformational for Mooloolaba.

“In June 2020, KPAT was selected as the preferred respondent to develop this prime parcel of land,’’ Cr Natoli said.

“The decision was made as a result of Council's agreement in November 2018 to split the Brisbane Road car park into two parcels, one facing Smith Street and now known as ParknGo Mooloolaba Central car park, and the other facing Brisbane Road.

“This new 4.5-star hotel is a key initiative that will help revitalise Mooloolaba and help cater for the growing number of visitors to our region, as well as providing experiences for local residents.’

“As with all major projects, there will be adjustments including a temporary Council outdoor car park fronting Brisbane Road and First Avenue which will need to be closed.

“Council sincerely thanks motorists and the local community for their patience during this time.”

KPAT Managing Director Kenneth Wagner said they were thrilled to be starting construction on the hotel in the coming weeks.

“We have been working towards this project for a number of years and between ourselves, Minor Hotels and Sunshine Coast Council we are looking forward to delivering a project of local significance for the Sunshine Coast,” Mr Wagner said.

“We hope the AVANI brand and quality of hotel products will contribute and support an already thriving holiday destination in Mooloolaba, as well as offer the community something they can enjoy and be proud of.”

Temporary carpark to close

The site has been temporarily used by Council as an outdoor car park, but starting on Monday, August 28, it will be closed.

Motorists who frequently park in this temporary car park fronting Brisbane Road and First Avenue may wish to explore the following alternate parking options:

• ParknGo Mooloolaba Central car park: next to the temporary outdoor car park, offers one hour of FREE parking (max daily rate $12.50). There are 700 spaces in this undercover, including 13 accessible parking bays (APB).
• The Wharf car park: 427 public parking spaces, 4P and unrestricted parking, including four accessible parking bays (APB).
• Beach Terrace car park: 96 public parking spaces, 2P parking spaces, including two accessible parking bays (APB).

For more information about other parking options in Mooloolaba or the ParknGo Mooloolaba Central car park, including rates and a user’s guide, visit www.parkngo.com.au.