October 2024 | Media Releases+
Maroochydore City Centre Set for Major Residential Expansion
Walker Corporation is accelerating housing supply on the Sunshine Coast, submitting a Development Application (DA) for its first residential towers in the $2.5 billion Maroochydore City Centre, Australia’s largest greenfield CBD.
SOL by Walker will comprise 251 dwellings across two towers featuring a mix of one to four-bedroom apartments, as well as SOHO townhouses and penthouses.
Both towers will feature ground-floor retail with shops, bars and restaurants, surrounded by two levels of commercial space for businesses seeking a central office location.
Walker Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer David Gallant said the project is strategically positioned to boost the region’s housing supply as multiple land holdings within the Maroochydore City Centre are already zoned for residential use.
"Billions of dollars are being invested into the Maroochydore City Centre to create a purpose-built CBD for people to work and live, and these new apartments will offer terrific options for everyone from singles and families to couples and downsizers."
David Gallant - Walker Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer
“SOL will bring 251 superior apartments with high-spec kitchens and bathrooms to the Maroochydore City Centre next door to jobs, restaurants, cafes and future transport links.”
“Within walking distance of the beach, major retail centres and the future Maroochydore Railway Station, the project will offer a range of products including over 50 one-bedroom apartments, which are in short supply on the Sunshine Coast.”
The Walker in-house design team has worked with Plus Architecture to carefully curate communal spaces for residents, including a sunlit recreation deck with a 20-metre pool featuring a family-friendly shallow area, spa and cold plunge pools, saunas, steam rooms, BBQ facilities and dining areas.
Plus Architecture Principal Chrisney Formosa described the architectural vision.
"Drawing inspiration from the Sunshine Coast's natural beauty, SOL seamlessly integrates coastal living with urban sophistication. Our design delivers spaces that harmonise with the local climate, prioritise user comfort and foster community connection.”
“Every element, from the subtropical landscaping to the innovative amenities, has been meticulously crafted to redefine city living in Maroochydore."
Artist impression
SOL will also offer a rooftop terrace with a bookable function space alongside a recreational deck featuring a community library, premium gym facilities, outdoor yoga and stretch areas, a communal vegetable garden and a sunset lawn. Each apartment will have a dedicated car parking space with additional spaces for retail, providing a total of 382 parking spaces and 251 bicycle spaces.
With the Sunshine Coast's population projected to grow by nearly 9,000 people annually over the next 20 years, an average of 3,400 new dwellings will be required to accommodate this growth.
Sunshine Coast Mayor Rosanna Natoli said it would be great to see more apartments in the city centre, bringing even greater vibrancy and excitement to the growing heart of Maroochydore.
“Decades of planning have positioned the Maroochydore City Centre as one of the best locations for housing and high-quality inner-city apartment living.”
Sunshine Coast Mayor Rosanna Natoli
“We need to embrace every opportunity to accelerate our housing supply on the Sunshine Coast in areas that are well connected to jobs, transport, community services and great amenities, and SOL, alongside other apartments in the city centre, will help our region meet those needs.”
SunCentral CEO Amanda Yeates said the new city centre is becoming a popular location for apartment living, with more families choosing to call Maroochydore City Centre home.
“This is an exciting time for the Sunshine Coast as its new city centre rapidly grows, with thousands of people set to make the move to the city centre in the years to come.”
“Right across from where Walker is constructing its first commercial tower at 50 First Avenue, another crane will soon symbolise the growing confidence in the future of Maroochydore as a focus for business investment and lifestyle opportunities.”
Walker has submitted its development application for SOL to Economic Development Queensland, the planning authority for the Maroochydore City Centre Priority Development Area.
Pending assessment timeframes, construction is targeted to commence onsite as early as the second quarter of 2025.
The new Maroochydore City Centre responds to the region's rapid growth to deliver a vision that will unlock thousands of new homes and jobs while creating more opportunities for local families to live, work, study and socialise locally. Approximately 10,000 residents will eventually call Maroochydore City Centre home with 25,000 workers commuting to the CBD daily.
The new Maroochydore City Centre is being delivered as a partnership between Sunshine Coast Council, Walker Corporation and SunCentral Maroochydore.
Register your interest in SOL by Walker here: www.solbywalker.com.
