Maroochydore CBD convention centre plans revealed amid MP’s 2032 Olympic Games funding pitch

A 2000-seat convention centre and a sports facility fit for the world’s best are just some of the features in new designs for a boutique venue at Maroochydore. SEE THE PLANS

Two global architectural firms have given new insight into their approach to designing an iconic convention centre that will change the Sunshine Coast for generations.

Fairfax MP Ted O’Brien enlisted the help of Marchese Partners and RWA Sports Architecture to help bring his bold vision for a Maroochydore CBD convention and entertainment centre to life.

The venue would also host preliminary basketball events for the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games.

Mr O’Brien is lobbying for funds set aside for Queensland’s infrastructure needs for the landmark event to deliver the long-awaited exhibition and convention centre.

Fairfax MP Ted O'Brien is calling for funds for the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games to go towards an $80m convention and exhibition centre at the Maroochydore City Centre.

“The building would be a multipurpose convention and performing arts exhibition centre, something that the community has been calling for, for years,” he said.

“Our greatest hope of securing such an iconic building is the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games.”

Marchese Partners principal Frank Ehrenberg said the building could be constructed over several stages with the first to be a theatre with capacity for up to 2000 people.

Mr Ehrenberg said it would also likely have other sports facilities for weightlifting, netball, volleyball and badminton.

The exact location within the 53ha city centre is not confirmed however the facility would likely be located on Maud Street, in precinct two of the development.

Fairfax MP Ted O'Brien is calling for funds for the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games to go towards an $80m convention and exhibition centre at the Maroochydore City Centre.

“We could build a theatre to start with, then the basketball centre,” Mr Ehrenberg said.

He said building the theatre first would help make the overall project more viable because it would generate revenue from the start.

“From our perspective the preference from the community point of view is to have a finished building,” he said.

“The podium is a whole building in itself and what follows would be market-led.”

He said the design allowed for hotel and residential unit developments in the future.

The Sunshine Coast is expected to be home to four key Olympic venues and host sporting events including football, basketball, marathons, mountain biking, cycling and kiteboarding.

More than $2bn worth of infrastructure funding is available from the International Olympic Committee to deliver legacy projects.

Mr O’Brien, who is also the Prime Minister’s special envoy for the Games, is proposing the state and federal governments enter a 50-50 funding partnership to build the basketball stadium, as per the agreement for critical infrastructure for the event.

Private sector funding may be needed to deliver the entire venue, he said.

He said this was the region’s best and potentially only chance to secure significant funding needed for the project and would also strengthen the argument to extend heavy rail to Maroochydore.

Fairfax MP Ted O'Brien has a bold vision to create a multipurpose convention and exhibition centre at Maroochydore CBD ahead of the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games. Picture: Patrick Woods

“Current plans for the 2032 Games allow for a brand-new venue to be built on the Sunshine Coast to host the Olympic basketball preliminaries,” Mr O’Brien said.

“Let’s not undersell ourselves.

“We don’t want a fancy shed whose primary legacy is nothing more than basketball courts.

“Instead, I propose we create a truly iconic venue that will become a lasting legacy for generations to come.

“(This) concept illustrates a compelling picture of how a world-class facility can be built to accommodate everything from performing arts, major sporting events, concerts, exhibitions and so much more.”

He said it was too early to suggest a price tag to construct the venue.

It comes after details were confirmed in June for a proposed indoor sports facility at the Kawana Sports Precinct to host basketball preliminaries.

At the time a council spokeswoman said the Kawana site was more “development ready” than options at the Maroochydore City Centre based on funding contributions proposed by governments.

A masterplan for the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games earmarked Maroochydore CBD or Kawana to host preliminary basketball.

“I believe there is a compelling proposition over and above what can be delivered for basketball through this multi-use centre in the CBD,” Mr O’Brien said.

“If the choice was just mine it indeed would be here because of the legacy it would leave and because it strengthens our argument to get rail into Maroochydore.”

Mr O’Brien said the multipurpose venue he envisioned was completely different to the convention centre previously proposed by Sunshine Coast Council.

The concept of an exhibition and convention facility was first canvassed in 1984, however, funding has never been committed from the state or federal governments.

Fairfax MP Ted O'Brien is calling for funds for the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games to go towards an $80m convention and exhibition centre at the Maroochydore City Centre.

Renowned architect Ken Down, who has designed some of the region’s most recognisable landmarks, has been an early supporter of Mr O’Brien’s vision.

Mr Down organised Marchese Partners and RWA Sport Architecture – two global architecture and design firms – to create the conceptual designs to bring the idea to life.

Mr O’Brien and design firm representatives will pitch their plans to Sunshine Coast businesspeople on Friday.

“It will not only reflect the vibrant arts and culture of the Sunshine Coast but help shape and grow it into the future, and it will activate the Maroochydore CBD like nothing else,” Mr O’Brien said.

Originally published as Maroochydore CBD convention centre plans revealed amid MP’s 2032 Olympic Games funding pitch