Construction of the $150 million Crowne Plaza in Maroochydore has officially started.
The premium hotel development, in Ocean Street, is being delivered by Felix Capital and is intended to bring internationally branded accommodation, conference facilities and new dining destinations to the region when it opens in 2028.
The Crowne Plaza project was fasttracked under Sunshine Coast Council’s Hotel Investment Incentive Scheme, a targeted package of incentives designed to accelerate the delivery of new, high quality hotel rooms across the region.
Incentives include, increased height limits, a reduction in the number of car parking spaces required and the lowering of some council charges.
It is the second major hotel development approved through the scheme, which was introduced to address a critical shortfall in branded visitor accommodation and support the region’s reputation as a year-round destination for both business and leisure.
The 180room hotel will feature more than 900 square metres of premium meeting and event space, including a 600 square metre ballroom, making it one of the region’s most significant conference venues.
Guests will also enjoy a suite of resort style amenities including a 30metre swimming pool and spa, gym, sauna and secure basement parking, alongside a curated food and beverage offering.
This will include an allday dining restaurant, a 160seat signature dining venue, outdoor pool bar and lounge, and a lobby bar designed to activate the street and surrounds.
On top of the hotel there will be 24 luxury two and three bedroom apartments, 30% have already sold.
Sunshine Coast Mayor Rosanna Natoli said the start of construction reinforced Council’s commitment to supporting the region’s growth through enabling more branded accommodation product.
“This development is a significant win for Maroochydore and for the Sunshine Coast economy and Crowne Plaza Maroochydore is a clear example of how Council’s Hotel Investment Incentive Scheme is delivering results,” Mayor Natoli said.
“The Sunshine Coast urgently needs more branded hotel rooms to support tourism, business events and continued economic growth, particularly in the lead up to the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games, and this is now the second major hotel to be approved and progressed through the incentive program.
“Council took a bold step to attract highquality branded hotel investment, and we’re seeing that translate into construction activity, local jobs and long-term economic benefit for our community.”
“High quality projects like Crowne Plaza Maroochydore are essential to meeting our region’s current and future tourism and business needs, supporting events, and longer visitor stays,” Councillor Natoli said.
