Caloundra CBD in the spotlight

Sunshine Coast Council, in conjunction with the Caloundra Chamber of Commerce, will establish a taskforce to begin the revitalisation process of Caloundra’s Central Business District.

Divisional councillor Tim Dwyer said Council had considered a detailed report from the national economic consulting firm, Pracsys, on opportunities to revitalise the commercial heart of Caloundra.

“Council is taking some immediate steps to support local businesses, property owners and the community to achieve a vibrant and diverse CBD area in Caloundra,” Cr Dwyer said.

“The Caloundra CBD Taskforce will oversee the revitalisation strategy.

“The Taskforce will be made up of each of the major stakeholder groups – representatives of local business, property owners and Council and will have a clear agenda to work through the key recommendations from the Pracsys report.

“Council has also agreed to fund a CBD Manager to support the Taskforce and move forward on some of the quick-wins that were identified by Pracsys.

“Many of these quick wins will be driven by local business and property owners, while a longer-term strategy is developed to turn the town centre into a renewed, more vibrant place.”

Council has also agreed to develop a new master plan for the Caloundra CBD to guide current and future land use, design and investment decision making in the area.

“At the end of the day, Council wants to see the Caloundra CBD performing well and playing its part in shaping a strong and prosperous future for the Sunshine Coast,” Cr Dwyer said.

“We have the opportunity to fund these initiatives through the Caloundra CBD parking meter revenue and we always said that this revenue would be available for projects in the Bulcock Street precinct.

“Working with the Caloundra Chamber of Commerce, we believe that a bright future can be realised for this area.

“Central Caloundra is a fantastic location with its proximity to the water, so we are already in a good place.”

Cr Dwyer pointed out that the master plan – coupled with the work of the Taskforce and the CBD project manager – will provide the means to build the profile of the Caloundra CBD, improve its investment offering and transform the town’s centre into an attractive meeting place and social hub.

“This decision today will offer a new approach – while at the same time acknowledging and retaining all the character of the Caloundra we know and love.”