WATCH: Sunshine Coast tourism hotspot’s $24m transformation

This is the first glimpse of the $24 million redevelopment set to transform one of Queensland’s tourism gems. SEE THE VIDEO

This is the first glimpse of the $24 million redevelopment set to transform one of Queensland’s tourism gems.

Sunshine Coast Council has released computer-generated video of what the highly-anticipated Mooloolaba Central Meeting Place will look like when the massive project is open to the public.

Sunshine Coast Council is revitalising the Mooloolaba foreshore, increasing the amount of public beachfront parkland by 40 per cent along with measures to protect the beach from the elements and make the area more accessible and wheelchair-friendly.

Sweeping ocean views from new boardwalks, wide cycleways and pedestrian boulevards are key parts of the project.

A $24m facelift is planned for the Mooloolaba foreshore.

The Central Meeting Place and seawall project components are now in the tender phase with construction expected to start to mid-2024.

It is understood the precinct is due to be completed by the end of 2025.

Sunshine Coast Council’s Environment and Liveability Portfolio Councillor Peter Cox said the video showed a “shared vision’’ for Mooloolaba which had been guided by the community.

“The Central Meeting Place will be a place to arrive, meet, gather, celebrate and connect with nature and each other,” he said.

“It’s exciting to see our shared vision for stage 2 of the revitalised Mooloolaba Foreshore taking shape, delivering on those things our community told us they valued most.”

In June it was announced the project would receive $7.95 million in funding from the Federal Government’s National Emergency Management Agency Disaster Ready Fund toward replacing the seawall.

The project is hoped to improve the tourist experience.

Visit Sunshine Coast CEO Matt Stoeckel said Mooloolaba was an iconic tourism destination and plays an ever-growing role in the Sunshine Coast’s tourism sector.

“Mooloolaba plays an … ever-growing role in the Sunshine Coast’s tourism sector, with its beach, river and fresh seafood plus its shopping and restaurants a major attraction for visitors from around Australia and the world,” he said.

“We look forward to supporting Council in working with local tourism operators and businesses to ensure the success of this major project which will transform the foreshore and create Insta-worthy Sunshine Moments for our visitors.”

Stage one of Mooloolaba’s coastal transformation – the $16 million Northern Parkland which opened in 2022, has already been credited with injecting $5.5 million worth of extra expenditure into local businesses annually and has won multiple awards.

The redevelopment will cost $24m.