'Don't know what to do': Heartbreaking Plaza goodbye

A SUNSHINE Coast family is under pressure to keep their home after rising rent prices at the Sunshine Plaza forced them out.

Sultan's Cafe has closed its doors at the Sunshine Plaza due to rental prices spiking dramatically. Picture: Matty Holdworth

A SUNSHINE Coast family is under pressure to keep their home after rising rent prices at the Sunshine Plaza forced them out.

A whopping monthly rent of $50,000 - compared to $15,000 just eight years ago - means Sultan's Cafe will close its doors.

Owner of the Turkish-style cafe, Max Er, is unsure of his next move and was now "financially unstable" with climbing bills to pay.

He said he was "heartbroken" over the lack of "humility" shown by the Plaza.

"I don't know what we will do. We are looking around but it is a big shock to take in," Mr Er said.

"It is really hard but there is nothing we can do. They just put the rent up and find someone else if we can't pay it.

"$50,000 a month is $600,000 a year. We can't afford that. We have a house, a car loan, credit card. I don't know how we will pay them now.

"I can't do those prices. Eight years ago it was perfect."

READ:Four shock closures at Sunshine Plaza spark mass exodus fears.

Sunshine Plaza centre manager Michael Manwaring said plans were in progress to replace Sultan's already.

"We work closely with all retailers across our portfolio to ensure a sustainable retail mix now and into the future," Mr Manwaring said.

"While we can't discuss details of individual rental agreements, we value each retailer whether they are an international, national and local operator and always welcome the opportunity to discuss their arrangements with us.

"With a changing retail environment, the redevelopment provides us with the opportunity to review and evolve our retail offer for our customers.

"There's been a high level of interest in Sunshine Plaza from leading national retailers and aspirational brands that reflect customer desires. We look forward to introducing a range of exciting new retail experiences to the Sunshine Coast and announcing new retailers in due course."