This article is from the Australian Property Journal archive
A world-class 7,000-seat arena, athletes village and five-star hotel would be built in the heart of the Sunshine Coast in the lead-up to the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games, under a $1 billion proposal from Walker Corporation.
Plans for the Horizon Centre in Maroochydore have put forward in a detailed submission to the Games Independent Infrastructure and Coordination Authority’s (GIICA) Brisbane 2032 Olympics 100 Day Review.
Walker Corporation is hoping to capture demand for key infrastructure needed for the Games while also delivering legacy outcomes. The 1,400 athlete beds would transform into much needed accommodation for the Coast, whilst the 7,000-seat multi-format arena will evolve into an arts, music, convention, entertainment and exhibition centre, the developer said, “unlocking the region’s potential to host the biggest global concerts and events”.
“This will be an iconic destination that delivers major events for sports, entertainment, the arts, conventions, exhibitions and other community uses, enabling Queensland to reap the benefits for decades to come, after putting on the best Olympic Games ever,” said Walker managing director and CEO, David Gallant.
“The Horizon Centre has always been central to the Maroochydore City Centre vision to create a landmark economic and social hub which drives growth and unlocks opportunity for the Sunshine Coast, so we are excited to accelerate the delivery of this asset, to create a powerful Brisbane 2032 legacy.”
The 6-star Green Star Horizon Centre development would “integrate with a multi-modal transport system to maximise usability of public and active transport”.
The proposal comes just a few weeks after the new Crisafulli government retreated from its commitment to finish the Sunshine Coast rail project by 2032, on the back of a submission made to the 100 Day review showing the 37.8-kilometre project could cost $20 billion, nearly double earlier estimates of $12 billion.
GIICA is set to present its recommendation from the 100 Day Review to the Queensland government in March.
Walker Corporation’s project will be delivered as a public private partnership (PPP) also involving construction company Built and architects Woods Bagot.
Walker Group executive of development Peter Saba said the PPP will enable the private sector to provide the necessary funding needed to begin the Horizon Centre sooner, “ensuring delivery certainty and the quality to exceed Brisbane 2032 requirements”.
Built executive chairman Marco Rossi said, “We are excited to leverage our global experience to create this architectural landmark for Maroochydore that will be a sustainable, world-class events space, while also providing critical social and employment outcomes”.
Sarah Kay, Woods Bagot CEO, said the Horizon Centre would be an “architectural icon for the Sunshine Coast seamlessly integrating the arena with a multi-modal transport network, providing a secure athletes village, and carefully blending open space, landscaping and community into a cohesive outdoor environment”.
