City centre enters exciting new phase

SunCentral has fulfilled its mandate to help establish the early foundations of a vibrant, world-class precinct in Maroochydore, and now, this decade-old organisation is transitioning its functions to Council.

Established in 2015, SunCentral was created to plan and deliver the early stages of the new 53-hectare city centre, including the precinct’s design, attracting investment and delivering essential enabling infrastructure.

Sunshine Coast Mayor Rosanna Natoli said SunCentral had made a significant contribution to one of the region’s most important long-term projects.

“SunCentral played a pivotal role in bringing the Maroochydore City Centre to life, laying down the foundations of a world-class precinct that will continue to benefit our community for generations,” Mayor Natoli said.

“With the early stages now complete, the city centre is entering its next phase, with Walker Corporation continuing to work in partnership with Council to deliver this landmark project.

“This is a natural progression that reflects how large precincts evolve over time.”

Council will continue to provide strategic leadership and oversight of the project, ensuring its vision, community outcomes and sustainability objectives remain central to future development.

Sunshine Coast Chief Executive Officer John Baker said bringing SunCentral’s functions in-house would strengthen alignment and position Council to work more closely with delivery partners in the next phase.

“This transition reflects the maturity of the Maroochydore City Centre project and allows Council to integrate these functions directly within our organisation,” Mr Baker said.

“It strengthens our ability to work in close partnership with Walker Corporation and other stakeholders to deliver the next stages of the city centre, while ensuring the community’s long-term vision remains at the forefront.

“Importantly, this change streamlines governance, reduces duplication and ensures we are well-placed to support continued investment, job creation and delivery of critical infrastructure in the heart of our region.

“Council sincerely thanks the SunCentral Board, including its Chair, Ken Kanofski, Board Director Paul McLean, and its dedicated staff for their professionalism and persistence over the past decade.

“Their work has been instrumental in turning a bold idea into a tangible, investable city centre and in establishing the foundations that support this next phase.

“Their leadership and commitment have created a legacy that will continue to shape the Maroochydore City Centre for generations to come.”

Mayor Natoli said the transition should give residents and businesses confidence that the project remained on track.

“The Maroochydore City Centre is moving forward with purpose,” Mayor Natoli said.

“With Council providing strong leadership and working alongside our delivery partners, the region will continue to see new jobs, investment and community facilities delivered in line with the approved masterplan.”

As the sole shareholder, Council is now taking formal steps to transition SunCentral’s functions into Council. SunCentral will cease trading operations as part of this change.

Major upcoming milestones across the precinct include the Maroochy Private Hospital, the 50 First Avenue development, the Residential Activation Fund project, SOL by Walker and the NextDC SC2 data centre.

This transition reduces duplicated functions and supports Council’s broader efficiency objectives by consolidating responsibilities within a single team.

Council will update its website and provide information to businesses and stakeholders to ensure clarity around the transition.

For more information about the Maroochydore City Centre, visit maroochydorecitycentre.com.au.