Plans unveiled for central park and lake at Maroochydore CBD

An expansive central park and a new location for a future convention centre have been proposed in changes to the $2.5b city centre plans, with locals urged to have their say.

An expansive park with a lake could become a key fixture of a $2.5b city centre on the Sunshine Coast, with residents encouraged to have their say on the proposal.

The changes are part of Sunshine Coast Council’s proposed amendment to the development scheme for the rapidly expanding CBD.

The council is proposing combing waterway and parkland elements into a central park and lake, instead of smaller canals.

It has also proposed shifting the planned exhibition and convention centre closer to the transit centre, as well as relocating the amphitheatre to the northern end of the park.

Maroochydore Chamber of Commerce president Brendan Bathersby welcomed the proposal.

“I think the changes are fantastic, the central park and lake feature is magnificent,” Mr Bathersby said.

“Taking out the smaller canals and having a circular lake, it’ll make for a broader, more open water vista.

“It’s more or less enhancing what was always going to be there, it’s a good outcome.”

The proposed changes are out for consultation until 4.30pm on Monday, October 23.

Parklands near the Maroochydore city centre. Picture: Patrick Woods.

The central park and lake could become a key fixture of the Maroochydore City Centre, which is Australia’s largest greenfield CBD development.

Driven by the Walker Corporation, the new CBD is taking shape, with the site of the former Horton Park Golf Club having changed significantly in the past few years.

The Maroochydore City Centre pictured in October, 2023. Picture: Patrick Woods.

Recent developments in the area include the $100m Sunshine Coast Council town hall, which features a new-for-hire venue on the ninth floor. A $90m 15-storey commercial building at 50 First Ave, is set to be completed in 2025.

Maroochydore woman Seanna Atzori said she was in favour of the development.

Seanna Atzori likes the recent developments and additions at Maroochydore. Picture: Patrick Woods.

“I actually live across the road here, so I’m all for the change and the redevelopment,” she said.

“I wish it was actually happening a bit faster, to be honest.”

Jill Black. Picture: Patrick Woods.

A long-time Maroochydore resident Jill Black has seen the area significantly change significantly in her 26 years living locally.

“The new city centre is changing, everywhere is changing, it’s growing,” Mrs Black said.

“I live in an apartment at Cotton Tree and I can look on to this new project, so I’ve seen it grow.”