9 big Sunshine Coast projects that will define 2018

THE Sunshine Coast can change plenty in a single year, as developments forge ahead across the region.

RETAIL HEAVEN: An artist's impression of the Sunshine Plaza redevelopment. Picture: Contributed

THE Sunshine Coast can change plenty in a single year, as developments forge ahead across the region.

These projects are set to reach a significant milestone or completion in 2018.

1. Sunshine Plaza redevelopment

MORE than 100 new shops, major retailers including Big W and David Jones and a new waterfront dining precinct are expected to open this year as part of the Sunshine Plaza redevelopment.

Centre manager Michael Manwaring said if all goes to plan, the redevelopment will be ready for shoppers in time for Christmas.

A development application for a high ropes course and zipline over Cornmeal Creek as part of the redevelopment remains under consideration.

2. The Shore, Marcoola

WORKS are under way at The Shore beachside residential development at Marcoola, with titles on the first release of homes due to be issued by May.

The first stage of the development includes 33 direct-access beachfront homes, followed by a 114-room hotel resort, 144-bed residential aged care facility and a retail centre.

3. Suncentral Maroochydore

THE first round of civil works on the new Maroochydore CBD have already been completed, with construction to begin this year.

The first development sites are expected to reach settlement and the automated waste system commissioned by the end of the year, before businesses begin moving into the new CBD in 2019.

4. Bokarina Beach

THE Bokarina Beach development will be ready for buyers in the first stage of the development to start building their homes this year.

Earthworks are well under way on the 20 hectare site on the Nicklin Way, which will house 2500-3000 people in 800 apartments and 300 homes by 2020.

UNDERWAY: Eartworks and infrastructure works are ongoing at the Bokarina Beach site, with construction on homes set to begin this year. Picture: Contributed

The first home owners are expected to move in next year.

5. Birtinya Retirement Village

THE first residents are expected to move into the brand-new Birtinya Retirement Village in the middle of the year.

The Stockland project offers 140 units designed for the elderly, along with a two-storey clubhouse and wellness centre that will include a gym, yoga studio, hair salon and bar lounge.

6. Funlab at Big Top

A NEW entertainment centre is set to launch at the Big Top Shopping Centre this year, as Strike Bowling and Holey Moley Golf Club join forces for the first time in Queensland.

The precinct will feature 10 state-of-the-art bowling lanes, an 18-hole mini golf course, cocktail bar and escape rooms.

7. Brisbane Rd carpark

AFTER decades of talk over a development on the Brisbane Rd car park site at Mooloolaba, developers have lodged an application to build a multi-storey car park, retail precinct and hotel on the block.

If approved, the massive project will be completed in seven stages over the coming years, but developers hope to have the first swathe of car parks opened to the public in time for the beginning of the holiday rush in December.

An artist's impression shows the proposed development from the intersection of Brisbane Road and First Avenue. Picture: Contributed

The 700 council-controlled car parks will be managed under a paid parking system, but council and developers are yet to hash out the details of that arrangement.

8. The Avenue at Maroochydore

STAGE one of The Avenue is set to be finished mid-2018, with the luxury four-storey retirement village now under construction on the 9254sq m block at Anzac Ave.

Construction of The Avenue at Maroochydore will began soon. Already, 30% of the apartments have sold. Picture: The Avenue website

Stage one will include 49 apartments, while stage two will add another 68.

The complex will boast facilities including a heated pool, community courtyard, gym, library, craft room, billiards room and cafe.

9. Baringa State Primary School

THE first school in the Aura development at Caloundra South will open for its first year, taking enrolments for Prep to Year 6.

Baringa State Primary School will offer a robotics laboratory, recording studio and innovation hubs.

Originally published as 9 big Sunshine Coast projects that will define 2018