Tech-arsenal makes CBD a top business location
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- Tech-arsenal makes CBD a top business location
With a current commercial vacancy rate of 0%, the Sunshine Coast’s emerging CBD in Maroochydore is poised to steal the spotlight as one of Australia’s most desirable regional business centres.
The Maroochydore City Centre offers WiFi-6 and the fastest data on Australia’s east coast via NEXTDC’s data centre and the Sunshine Coast International Broadband Cable.
The master-planned greenfield CBD is currently host to a dynamic mix of businesses within two commercial buildings and is also a sought-after new location for residential living.
And moss is not growing under this rolling stone, with a gorgeous new commercial building, 50 First Avenue, currently under construction by Walker Corporation.
A second residential precinct by Habitat Development is almost ready to open. The Corso is a stunning 15-level apartment tower with 158 luxury apartments.
The Maroochy Private Hospital is also under construction within the CBD precinct, designed as a world-class specialist facility for orthopaedics, neurosurgery, ophthalmology, plastic surgery and maxillo-facial surgery.
The city centre is also the final destination for the new direct Sunshine Coast rail line projected to commence works in 2026.
Silicon coast
Tech-focused infrastructure
Maroochydore CBD has a unique tech-arsenal that means it is outshining other regional and capital cities in Australia as a place for business.
- An 18 Tbps International Broadband Cable providing a super fast data connection to Asia and the US (fastest from east coast Australia)
- A Tier 3N+1 Edge Data Centre owned and operated by NEXTDC
- WiFi-6 free public WiFi and 5G mobile broadband
- Multi-function poles and digital kiosks
- Multi-path telecommunications conduits and multi-carrier optic fibre networks
- A LoRaWAN IoT Network
- A cyber security industry network
Through Sunshine Coast Council’s Testing Tech in Paradise program, innovative organisations are supported to test and trial their new technology in the Sunshine Coast’s high-tech environment.
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Recent brand movements
In addition to its advanced technologies, Maroochydore’s proximity to major domestic and international transportation and freight channels makes it a strategic city location able to serve a range of sectors.
Several high-profile companies have already established their presence in Maroochydore CBD, adding to its reputation as a thriving business hub.
NAB’s new regional hub
One of Australia’s Big Four banks, National Australia Bank (NAB), has strengthened its commitment to the Sunshine Coast with its move to the most recently opened commercial building, A1.
The multimillion-dollar fitout was designed for 60 NAB staff from various departments, including regional and agribusiness, small business, private and wealth banking.
Commonwealth Bank in Foundation Place
NAB’s move to the new CBD comes on the back of Commonwealth Bank’s establishment as one of the city centre’s first wave of commercial tenants in Foundation Place.
Genpact’s Global Centre of Excellence
Genpact, a leading professional services firm, has chosen Maroochydore for its Australian Global Centre of Excellence. This centre is expected to employ around 250 people over the next five years, specialising in finance, insurance, IT and administration.
With clients and staff around the world, Genpact’s decision highlights the strength of Maroochydore’s skilled workforce, technology infrastructure and economic growth.
Maropost and local tech integration
International software company Maropost is another resident in A1, following its acquisition in 2022 of Sunshine Coast tech success, Retail Express. This move integrates local tech expertise with global reach, further enhancing Maroochydore’s tech landscape.
Stantec’s sustainable solutions
Stantec is a global leader in sustainable engineering and environmental consulting. With a local hub in Maroochydore it has helped deliver several projects on the Sunshine Coast including the University Hospital, airport transportation infrastructure and various master drainage plans, reflecting its commitment to the region’s development.
The heart of the region
The Maroochydore City Centre has also been designed to serve as the civic hub for the Sunshine Coast and the new City Hall is now centrally located at its heart.
Sunshine Coast City Hall is a focal point for community engagement and administrative functions in the region. It offers facilities for commercial and community use, making it an attractive destination for events and business functions.
Community CoLab is a versatile venue-for-hire accommodating up to 20 people and boasting all the features needed for small events and meetings.
Altitude 9 is a premier boutique event space located on the top floor of the city hall building. Its stunning views and comprehensive amenities makes it perfect for private events, weddings, corporate functions and business networking.
Blending an inner city and coastal lifestyle
The strategic mix of commercial and cultural activity in the Maroochydore CBD provides a strong foundation for the balanced lifestyle that makes the Sunshine Coast one of the best places in the world to live and work.
As a region that is strongly promoting innovation in business, the Sunshine Coast has become a magnet for big thinkers in research, government and business development and across a range of sectors.
SunCentral Maroochydore CEO Amanda Yeates said the past 12 months had seen continued growth in the city centre, with more to come.
“The innovative infrastructure, strategic location and commitment to sustainability help position the Sunshine Coast as a resilient economy and a magnet for businesses and talent alike,” she said.
“As Maroochydore city centre continues to grow, so too will the opportunities for residents, businesses and visitors.”
“By 2027, there will be more than 1000 people living in Maroochydore city centre, along with 3000 workers, creating a vibrant hub of commercial and cultural activity, underpinned by outstanding liveability, technology and innovation.”
The city centre is slated to deliver 15,000 jobs and generate more than $3 billion in economic benefits over its lifespan.
The future looks bright
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