Maroochydore City Centre: A Visionary City
Deb Caruso catches up with the driving forces building a city from the ground up.
There is something about the energy of a city – it ignites the senses with purpose and promise – and while the Maroochydore City Centre might not be buzzing yet, there is definitely a hum: an undercurrent of excitement for the promise of what’s to come. It seems each week there is another building underway or completed, defying the current national easing on development projects.I’m meeting with the leaders behind what is Australia’s largest greenfield development.
Sunshine Coast Mayor Rosanna Natoli said watching the transformation of the 53 hectare site into the Maroochydore City Centre before our eyes was very exciting!
“It is a privilege to now be part of this project knowing that the decisions Council has made, and will make in the future, will strengthen our region by growing a thriving and vibrant business district as well as a beautiful, sustainable place for thousands of people to call home,” Mayor Natoli said.
Amanda Yeates, CEO of SunCentral, an entity owned by Sunshine Coast Council to oversee the design and delivery of the $2.5 billion project said there were currently around 1000 workers and 300 residents in the City Centre.
“That is about to increase again with the Corso Residences almost finished,” she said. “Over the next 15 to 20 years, about 10,000 residents will call Maroochydore City Centre home, surrounded by commercial and retail space including medical, education, entertainment, food, arts and cultural facilities plus premium accommodation and residential precincts.
“It’s an exciting project and we’re proud to work with Walker to deliver the vision set out by Council,” she said.
“SunCentral’s strategic advice and highly-skilled independent Board are instrumental in successfully delivering a project of this magnitude.”
A revised Masterplan ensures the city centre now encompasses an impressive 6.5 hectare waterway surrounded by walking tracks, parks and community space, including an amphitheatre. Walker Corporation Group Executive of Development, Peter Saba, said they were proud to lead the design, development and delivery of the project, working with Council and SunCentral to create an exceptional new city for future generations.
“Our commitment to the project and to the people of the Sunshine Coast is to ensure that the Maroochydore City Centre is delivered methodically and responsibly to transform the region into a highly connected, vibrant hub of commercial and cultural activity that is anchored by technology and innovation,” he said.
“For residents, we’re delivering a vibrant community where their backyard will be green open spaces, waterfront experiences, and some of the best beaches and dining options in the world; and for the wider community, we’re providing a central destination they can enjoy with lots of public space and cultural infrastructure.”
Peter said the late Walker Corporation founder, Lang Walker, was passionate about the vision for the project.
“Lang always said ‘we are placemakers’ and that is the driving force behind our vision for a world-class city centre that stays true to the region’s identity,” he said.
“It’s not often that you get to work in partnership with local council, industry and the community to develop and deliver a Masterplan with a shared vision, so it’s an exciting time.”
Walker is investing over $2.5 billion to lead the development of the city and their first of many commercial buildings, 50 First Avenue, will bring hundreds
of new jobs to the Sunshine Coast.With less than one quarter of the overall site delivered so far, there is still lots to do, including significant investment in infrastructure for water and sewerage services, bridges, roads and all the things needed to sustain a city of the future. The energy that comes from construction, new residents and workers will continue to hum until it becomes a buzz that is worthy of a city anywhere in the world.
Exciting times ahead!
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