Maroochydore development: Support mounts for rail and convention centre

Support is mounting for a Maroochydore convention centre so the Sunshine Coast can attract large productions it’s historically missed out on.

A train from Maroochydore to Brisbane has been identified as the key project that could get a Sunshine Coast convention and entertainment centre bid on track.

Queensland Ballet, Sunshine Coast philanthropists and prominent business figures are supporting a bid for a 2000-seat Maroochydore CBD convention centre to help attract events that the region has historically missed out on.

Architects have revealed plans for the major centre that could also host sporting events with hopes it could be the home to the basketball preliminaries at the 2032 Olympic Games.

It is hoped funds set aside for Queensland’s infrastructure needs for the landmark 2032 Olympic Games could go towards the long-awaited exhibition and convention centre in a federal and state government funding arrangement.

Queensland Ballet artistic director Li Cunxin said the organisation was supportive of the proposed Sunshine Coast centre.

He told the Sunshine Coast Daily they loved to perform at the Sunshine Coast however needed to take smaller productions due to stage and audience sizes.

It comes as the Daily launches Train for the Games, in support of Maroochydore to Brisbane rail.

“Larger story ballets such as The Sleeping Beauty cannot tour easily to these venues,” he said.

“A new facility to take larger touring works and a larger audience capacity would be an exciting opportunity for any arts company.”

Mr Cunxin said the Queensland Ballet would perform at the centre and was keen to expand its reach through Academy and community programs.

The latest proposal is for a boutique convention centre with the capability to host sports events.

University of the Sunshine Coast urban design and town planning expert Professor Gregor Mews said a convention centre could do more than attract large events – it could also be a community hub.

He said a convention centre would give the Sunshine Coast a new economic profile and provide social benefits.

Professor Mews said it also needed to provide value on a community level through hosting events such as markets.

“We can learn from different examples, like the Darwin Convention Centre which is in an iconic position on the waterfront,” Professor Mews said.

“That celebrates the benefits Darwin has to offer but it does not have rail or transport links so it does create additional traffic.”

Architects Marchese Partners and RWA Sports Architecture revealed new designs for a Maroochydore Convention and Exhibition Centre which could also host 2032 Olympics basketball preliminaries.

“What we don‘t want is to end up with something that is the same as what we’ve seen in other areas.

“This is an opportunity to use our subtropical climate and location to design something unique to the Sunshine Coast.”

A heavy rail connection from Maroochydore to Brisbane has been identified as key to making the convention centre a success.

Governments are yet to agree on funding for extending the Beerwah rail to Maroochydore.

Sunshine Coast Business Council chair Sandy Zubrinich said the centre would benefit the tourism industry.

“This type of cultural and entertainment centre is unlikely to be financially viable if an efficient passenger rail is not available,” she said.

Sunshine Coast Business Council chair Sandy Zubrinich said a Maroochydore convention centre was unlikely to be viable without rail.

Maroochydore Chamber of Commerce president Brendan Bathersby said it would provide a significant boost to hotels, restaurants, cafes and our food and agricultural businesses.

“The proposed entertainment and convention centre within the CBD will not only host Olympic sporting events such as basketball but will also play a crucial role in hosting large scale convention and events which our region has missed out on as we simply don’t have a suitable venue to attract these types of activities,” Mr Bathersby said.

The centre would support nearby hotels, including Holiday Inn which will open at the Maroochydore CBD next month.

Holiday Inn Manager Brenton Flynn said a convention and entertainment centre would provide a huge boost.

“Any infrastructure projects that will drive tourism and demand to the Sunshine Coast region and surrounds we see as a positive and having a convention and entertainment centre that will bring in both business and leisure travellers would be a huge boost for our sector and the local economy,” he said.

Already $2.5m has been pledged by Sunshine Coast philanthropists including Roy and Nola Thompson and Rod Forrester.

Another donor has promised to match any donations made.

The Thompsons are also donors for Queensland Ballet.