Caloundra will have a new city heart within two years, with design work for a new town square fast-tracked.
Sunshine Coast Mayor Rosanna Natoli said a $4 million boost from the Queensland Government had allowed detailed design planning to be accelerated on the project.
Mayor Natoli said that detailed design work, on which Ubris is the lead consultant, was now expected to be completed over the next 12 months, with construction starting from mid-2026 and an anticipated completion by mid-2027.
She said the $12.8 million dollar project would open up the city centre, creating a seamless pedestrian link, more green space and a welcoming public precinct at the gateway to the Sunshine Coast’s southern city, which recently saw the opening of the new Library+ Caloundra.
“The works will supercharge Caloundra’s transformation into a dynamic civic and cultural hub.
“The Caloundra Community and Creative Hub will create a public space precinct which will knit together The Events Centre, new Library+, Caloundra Regional Gallery and town square through to Bulcock Street and beyond.”
Mayor Natoli said the town square design included green open spaces, lighting, improved pathways and pedestrian friendly streetscapes on Omrah and Otranto avenues, connecting the new town square to the main street.
Sunshine Coast Council CEO John Baker said the project represented a major milestone in the broader Caloundra Centre Activation Project.
“By connecting key destinations and improving public spaces, we’re creating the kind of lively, people-centric town centre that attracts new business, investment and community life,” Mr Baker said.
“We are achieving this by planning for our future with the new town square, Library+ and delivering infrastructure such as Caloundra Transport Corridor Upgrade that will also help attract business into the town.”
