Maroochydore City Centre wins Excellence in Strategic Planning at 2024 Queensland Awards for Planning Excellence

A landmark in urban planning and design, this project exemplifies the transformative potential of public and private collaboration to create a vibrant, future-ready city centre within an existing urban landscape.

Led by Walker Corporation, Sunshine Coast Council, and SunCentral Maroochydore, the Maroochydore City Centre project showcases an impressive masterplan that aligns economic growth with sustainability, liveability, and technological advancement. The judges praised the project's vision to establish a dynamic hub of commercial, residential, and cultural activity in a region historically characterised by suburban growth.

The judges praised the Maroochydore City Centre for positioning local government as a catalyst for innovation and progress, providing essential economic stimulus and introducing cutting-edge infrastructure that supports this transformative city development. They commended the initiative for redefining what a modern city centre can achieve, with its focus on liveability, advanced technology, and sustainable growth.

Sunshine Coast mayor Rosanna Natoli said the city centre was evolving in earnest, and she was delighted with the award.

“More than a decade ago, Sunshine Coast Council envisioned a futuristic city centre,” she said. 

“Now, this vision is becoming a reality with completed buildings, ongoing construction on a commercial tower and a world-class hospital, and planning underway for a residential development with commercial tenancies.“Maroochydore City Centre is emerging as a commercial hub, attracting businesses and creating thousands of local jobs.

“The new masterplan for Australia’s largest greenfield CBD is being delivered."

SunCentral Maroochydore CEO Amanda Yeates also welcomed the award.

“This award acknowledges the strong partnership between SunCentral, Sunshine Coast Council and Walker and our shared commitment to deliver a vibrant new city heart for the region,” she said.

“As Australia’s largest greenfield CBD, Maroochydore City Centre is setting a new benchmark for urban renewal, demonstrating what can be achieved when innovative planning and sustainable design come together.”

Walker Corporation managing director and chief executive officer David Gallant also welcomed the award.

“We are proud to receive this award for Planning Excellence, which recognises the enhanced placemaking and city making outcomes for the Maroochydore City Centre,” he said.

“The new masterplan provides over 18 hectares of lakes and parklands which will redefine what it means to live in a city where all of the lifestyle benefits sit at your doorstep, only a short walk to some of the best beaches in the country.

‘The City Centre is thriving with the construction of 50 First Avenue well progressed which will welcome another 1,000 workers per day into the city centre in late 2025.

The PIA Queensland Awards for Planning Excellence, held in Brisbane, gathered over 300 industry leaders to celebrate the achievements of planners, consultants, and local governments across Queensland.