Sunshine Coast residents are about to see action at the region’s future city heart, with demolition of Horton Park Golf Course perimeter buildings beginning next week (during week beginning August 18).
Regional Projects Portfolio Councillor Tim Dwyer said preliminary work would begin with safety fences installed around the demolition site.
“The council-acquired commercial properties, from the Dolphin Centre to the building formerly occupied by Bendigo Bank, will be demolished to make way for a new intersection extending First Ave across Aerodrome Rd,” Cr Dwyer said.
“The majority of businesses relocated to new and improved premises elsewhere within Maroochydore.
“All neighbouring business owners and residents have been advised of the upcoming works which have been approved to take place Monday to Friday, 7am-5pm and may include occasional work on Saturdays from 7am-5pm.
“Night works will only be considered to minimise disruption or where there may be a risk to public safety.
“All efforts will be made to minimise disruption to the public and a comprehensive traffic management plan will be deployed.”
Cr Dwyer said there would be minimal delays for motorists and in the interest of public safety, the site will be fully-fenced off and pedestrians will be detoured as required.
“Demolition works are expected to be completed by the end of September, when the site will be graded, stabilised and fenced until infrastructure works begin in 2015,” Cr Dwyer said.
“Following demolition, residents and visitors will begin to see the size of this project which will initially focus on operational works and delivering key infrastructure, such as site preparation and major services,” Cr Dwyer said.
“A major transport access will ultimately be created through to the new Maroochydore City Centre to service all of the Maroochydore business area.”
Cr Dwyer said this first construction stage would be a major boost for investment confidence in the region.
“Council’s investment in the land will enable construction of much needed infrastructure to improve traffic issues and provide for future transport needs in Maroochydore and, over time, develop a civic, commercial, cultural and recreational core for the region.
“It will eventually establish Maroochydore as the leading business, employment and community services hub, which is what the region is seeking to achieve through its new economic development strategy.”
With the recent approval of the Maroochydore City Centre Development Scheme by the state government, Council has embarked on more detailed precinct planning and design of the first stage of development in readiness for the golf club to vacate the site in May 2015.
Sunshine Coast Council resumed the Horton Park Golf Course site by agreement in 2012.
Mayor Mark Jamieson said development of the Maroochydore City Centre on the current golf course site was undoubtedly one of the most exciting game-changing developments for the region.
“Council fully appreciates the fact this is the only greenfield CBD development in Australia and investment in the future business centre will set it apart from other locations across Australia,” Mayor Jamieson said.
“The Maroochydore City Centre will be instrumental in building and strengthening the economic and civic base of our region.
“This massive project, which will be delivered over the next 25 years, will provide a mix of residential, commercial, retail, civic and community uses to develop a thriving and vibrant business district and city centre, complementing and enhancing Maroochydore’s existing business offering.
“The master planning process has also identified entertainment, exhibition and convention facilities, community facilities and meeting spaces, parklands, walkways, recreation areas and waterways and an enhanced public transport network.”
Mayor Jamieson said the project would be the catalyst to support existing Maroochydore commercial investment and explore new business opportunities with a focus on diversifying the economy and realising the region’s potential.
“Maroochydore City will thrive and prosper if all components – the City Centre, Sunshine Plaza, Ocean St, Duporth Ave, Aerodrome Rd and others – are connected and all doing well,” he said.
“It will be instrumental in building and strengthening our region as we strive to make Sunshine Coast the most sustainable region in Australia.
“This project has the potential to create thousands of jobs to support the construction industry, and ultimately Maroochydore will be home to many new businesses.”