Construction has commenced on the highly anticipated $400m redevelopment of Sunshine Plaza in Maroochydore , with works to expand the retail centre from 73,000 square metres to over 107,000 square metres.
Targeting a 5 Star Green Star - As Built rating, the redevelopment is expected to support up to 2, 900 jobs during construction and roughly 2,300 retail positions upon completion.
Lendlease’s Building business will utilise its track record in retail delivery to design, project manage and construct the project.
The transformation will include the region’s first David Jones department store, a new BIGW, a refurbished Myer, a new Amaroo Street mall entrance, over 100 new specialty stores, new outdoor waterfront dining along Cornmeal Creek and two new multi-level car parking facilities.
Image courtesy of Sunshine Plaza
Lendlease's Head of Retail Gary Horwitz affirmed the company was excited to develop the retail space as a leading fashion, leisure and tourist destination.
“The redevelopment of Sunshine Plaza will not only strengthen the position of the asset through an additional diversified retail mix, it will also reflect the best lifestyle qualities the Sunshine Coast is famous for, and become the central hub for locals and tourists alike.
“The project will also stimulate the local economy, boosting employment and creating further opportunities for retailers while ultimately delivering our customers with the aspirational shopping they are looking for locally,” Mr Horwitz added.
Sunshine Plaza, jointly owned by the Lendlease managed APPF Retail and The GPT Group, gained final owner's approval to start building in August of this year.
Construction is expected to take approximately two years, with completion prior to Christmas 2018.
Source: Lendlease