Major projects including new CBD and public transport upgrades to shape Maroochydore in coming decades
A new city centre, stylish unit complexes and major changes to transport are just some developments likely to shape Maroochydore in coming decades. SEE THE LIST
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A new city centre, stylish unit complexes and major changes to transport are just some developments likely to shape Maroochydore in coming decades.
The growing Sunshine Coast suburb is already a hub of activity but a range of council, government and private projects are pushing it even further ahead.
Here are 11 projects to shape Maroochydore:
Maroochydore City Centre
Major property player Walker Corporation has taken the lead in development of the Maroochydore City Centre.
The company estimated in November, when Sunshine Coast Council handed it exclusive development rights at the 53ha site, that the project would result in $2.3b in investment.
Sunshine Coast Council city hall
Sunshine Coast Council is spending about $80m, including fit-out, on a city hall at the Maroochydore City Centre.
Construction started in August at the 10-storey building which in 2022 will be the headquarters for 600 council staff.
Mass transit
Light rail connecting Maroochydore to Caloundra is one of several options on the table for a mass transit plan for the Sunshine Coast.
Residents can have their say from April 28 when Sunshine Coast Council launches community consultation on its draft Mass Transit Options Analysis report.
Options being considered include light rail, trackless trams, bus network upgrades and bus rapid transit.
Feedback will help the council and State Government form a plan for the region's future public transport networks.
Heavy rail
The North Coast Connect project was launched in 2018 with the aim to slash travel times between Brisbane and the Sunshine Coast.
Since then a $5 million feasibility study has been completed but state and federal governments have failed to agree on who should fund and deliver it.
The fast rail proposal could reduce rail journey times between Brisbane and the Coast from 75 to 50 minutes.
The feasibility study included a new dedicated rail track along the existing North Coast Line between Brisbane and Beerwah and a new rail corridor to connect coastal centres including Maroochydore, Kawana and Caloundra.
But it had a setback in March when Infrastructure Australia left it off its infrastructure priority list because it found the economics and delivery did not stack up.
Beach erosion management
Maroochydore Beach and the Cotton Tree river mouth is expected to feel the impacts of climate change in decades to come.
The draft Coastal Hazard Adaptation Strategy - expected to be formalised this year - noted measures that could be taken in the future to reduce erosion.
It found that temporary closure or loss of access to Maroochydore Beach would cause potential losses of $9 million from visiting residents and tourists and $34 million in revenue for local businesses.
It would also cause property value losses from 22 to 45 per cent.
The report found that some public assets, including beach accesses and recreation areas and private assets including parts of the holiday park could be at risk from erosion by 2100.
It recommended continuing mitigation works, with a focus on protection and maintenance of dunes, upgrade of the geo-bag groynes and seawall and nourishment.
A special area adaptation plan to consider land use transition for parts of the foreshore is being considered and a buried seawall is listed as a last line of defence.
Mons Rd, Maroochydore Rd interchange
About $320 million is being spent on upgrades to the Mons Rd and Maroochydore Rd interchanges at the Bruce Hwy.
The existing Maroochydore Rd and Nambour Connection Rd roundabout will be converted to a signalised interchange, and Mons Rd under the Bruce Highway will be widened, with on and off-ramp accesses relocated.
It is expected to be completed late 2022.
Maroochydore to Mooloolaba cycleway
The State Government is reviewing more than 1000 submissions on a cycleway and transport project connecting Maroochydore to Mooloolaba.
The Department of Transport and Main Roads scrapped its proposal for the Alexandra Headland section of its Maroochydore to Mooloolaba Cycleway in August following community backlash.
In September a department spokesman said they were working with the council on ways to address social, environmental and infrastructure planning considerations.
He said further community consultation would start once the department and council agreed on how to best seek feedback from residents.
Sunshine Cove
One final stage remains in the $800 million Sunshine Cove development.
Developers Felix Hill Pty Ltd, as trustee for The Sunshine Unit Trust which trades as Chardan Development Group, wants to create 101 lots, new parks and a road network across the remaining 7.5ha.
In October council officers recommended a refusal of the application, partly because they considered the plans to conflict with desired environmental outcomes for the site, the potential to increase density and issues with open space designations, among other reasons.
The vote was pushed back to a later date.
Innovative Planning Solutions has since lodged amended plans with council that include replacing the former stage 4 balance urban lot as an urban park.
Plantation Retirement Resort
A "vertical village" for over 50s is under construction at 20 Memorial Ave.
The Plantation retirement village complex will feature 42 units across seven levels with one, two and three bedroom options available.
Every unit has already sold and the village is expected to open in May.
Botanica by Nexus Development Group
Nexus Development Group's Grant Kennedy and Laz Dzufer are behind Botanica Riverside, a stylish apartment complex being built at 108-112 Duporth Ave.
Prices started at $2.39 million with the major selling point being the 312sq m size of apartments.
While there was potential to build a complex with up to 90 apartments, the developer opted for larger, more luxurious individual properties.
Pikki St development
Property developer Pindan expects to finish its Plaza Central unit complex in late 2021.
The Pikki St development 85 units and 612sq m of retail space.
Originally published as Major projects including new CBD and public transport upgrades to shape Maroochydore in coming decades
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