Walker Corporation project set to create 900 permanent jobs
The developer behind a billion-dollar 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games stadium pitched for the Maroochydore CBD has released more details of the project as the business community reacts to the plan.
Sunshine Coast
Don't miss out on the headlines from Sunshine Coast. Followed categories will be added to My News.
A billion-dollar complex proposed for the Sunshine Coast, set to be built in time for the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games, would employ thousands of people if given the green light, the developer has revealed.
Plans for the Horizon Centre in Maroochydore were unveiled by Walker Corporation last week, showing a 7000-seat arena, five-star hotel and athletes village.
A Walker Corporation spokeswoman said the development would continue to serve the Sunshine Coast community well after the 2032 games.
“The Horizon Centre could create approximately 1500 to 2000 construction jobs and 900 permanent jobs within Maroochydore City Centre,” she said.
The spokeswoman said the arena would hold many different events after 2032 such as conventions, trade shows, sport and live music.
Sunshine Coast Business Council chairwoman Sandy Zubrinich welcomed the proposal.
“The Sunshine Coast Business Council strongly commends Walker Corporation’s bold vision for a 7000-seat arena, athlete village and five-star hotel, set to cement the region as a premier games and tourism destination, and create a powerful legacy for Queensland,” Ms Zubrinich said.
“We have long been advocating for the delivery of a major hub for entertainment and economic activity to firmly position the Maroochydore City Centre, and the Sunshine Coast region more broadly, on the international map as a premier destination for arts, music, conventions, exhibitions and major events.”
Ms Zubrinich said in order for the Horizon Centre to successfully serve the community, heavy rail to Maroochydore by 2032 was “essential”.
“However, for this vision to reach its full potential, we must address connectivity. Heavy rail from Brisbane to the Maroochydore City Centre is not just desirable — it is essential. Efficient transport links will ensure this precinct is accessible, thriving, and a key driver of our region’s future prosperity,” Ms Zubrinich said.
“This is exactly the type of bold project the Sunshine Coast Business Council hoped would be presented by the private sector as part of the 100-day review.”
More Coverage
Originally published as Walker Corporation project set to create 900 permanent jobs
Life after Netflix wellness warrior’s tragic health battle
The former fiance of a ‘wellness warrior’ who died of cancer and inspired a character in a Netflix hit show is an award-winning Noosa real estate agent who has found love again.
Landscaper found with huge ‘bad looking’ knife outside supermarket
Police were called to reports of a “suspect” person at a popular Sunshine Coast supermarket when they found a landscaper with a 40cm blade that could “do a lot of damage”.
‘We bought a f**kin’ pub’: Meet the outback publicans of Qld
Welcome to the wild, wild west. Sit down, grab a beer and say g’day to the outback publicans behind Queensland’s most remote pubs.
Tourist hotspot garbos call for strike as pay stoush escalates
Cleanaway Noosa workers are set to walk off the job next week in a dispute over pay rises, with thousands of properties affected as the heat is set to rise.
Desperate plea for help emerges after cliffside rescue
A woman has made an emotional plea for better mental health support in the wake of a cliffside incident at a popular Sunshine Coast beach.
‘Back as that fierce opponent’: Fretwell eager to contend for the title
Lightning head coach Belinda Reynolds has praised two key players for spearheading their new aggressive on-court approach while Steph Fretwell will return as captain for 2025.