Adam Empringham,
Director of Sales at Image Property.
$150 million hotel approved for Maroochydore as Sunshine Coast growth continues
A major new hotel development approved for Maroochydore is set to become one of the most significant additions to the Sunshine Coast’s evolving urban landscape. Valued at $150 million, the project has received development approval for a large-scale hotel on Ocean Street, reinforcing Maroochydore’s position as a growing tourism, business, and lifestyle hub.
The approval reflects increasing confidence in the Sunshine Coast property market and highlights the region’s ongoing transition from a traditional holiday destination to a year-round economic centre supporting tourism, employment, and residential growth.
A Major Boost for Maroochydore’s Ocean Street Precinct
Ocean Street is already well known as a dining and entertainment destination, and this approval marks a new chapter for the precinct. The development will deliver a full-service hotel with approximately 180 guest rooms, alongside conference and event facilities designed to attract both leisure travellers and corporate visitors.
Plans include a range of amenities such as restaurants and bars, wellness facilities, and significant meeting and function spaces. This positions the hotel as more than short-stay accommodation, instead creating a destination that supports events, business travel, and longer visitor stays.
Above the hotel, a limited number of high-end residential apartments are also planned. This mixed-use design reflects growing demand for centrally located, low-maintenance living close to lifestyle and employment hubs, particularly in areas like Maroochydore where walkability and amenity continue to improve.
Addressing Accommodation Demand on the Sunshine Coast
Hotel supply has long been a challenge across the Sunshine Coast. Population growth, increased domestic tourism, and a stronger focus on business and conferencing have all contributed to rising demand for quality accommodation.
Council support for projects like this reflects a clear strategy to attract higher-quality hotel developments that support the local economy. Large-scale accommodation projects generate employment during construction and operation, increase visitor spending, and strengthen the Coast’s reputation as a destination capable of hosting major events.
With construction expected to begin in 2026 and completion anticipated around 2028, the development aligns with broader infrastructure investment across the Sunshine Coast, including transport upgrades and the ongoing development of Maroochydore as a CBD.
What This Means for the Maroochydore Property Market
Major developments often have a flow-on effect for surrounding property markets, and Maroochydore is no exception. Increased tourism and business activity typically drive demand for retail, hospitality, and service-based businesses, which in turn supports employment and population movement into the area.
For residential property, improved amenity and infrastructure can enhance long-term appeal. Buyers are often drawn to locations that offer strong lifestyle benefits, proximity to services, and future growth potential. Apartments and townhomes close to Ocean Street and the broader Maroochydore CBD may benefit from increased interest as the area continues to evolve.
From an investment perspective, increased visitor numbers and economic activity can support rental demand and improve market resilience. While no single development determines market performance, projects of this scale contribute to broader confidence in the local property landscape.
Confidence in the Sunshine Coast’s Long-Term Outlook
A $150 million private investment signals strong belief in the Sunshine Coast’s future. Developers committing capital at this level are responding to long-term fundamentals such as population growth, lifestyle demand, and improving infrastructure.
Maroochydore’s transformation over the past decade has already reshaped how the area is perceived. The addition of a major hotel further strengthens its role as a central hub for tourism, business, and residential living, supporting the Sunshine Coast’s shift toward a more diversified economy.
While construction timelines mean the full impact will take time to be realised, the approval itself is an important indicator of momentum and direction for the region.
Staying Informed on Sunshine Coast Development and Property Trends
For property owners, buyers, and investors, understanding approved developments and infrastructure projects provides valuable context when making decisions. Developments like this can influence amenity, demand, and long-term desirability across surrounding suburbs.
Keeping up to date with local projects, property market trends, and suburb-level insights allows decisions to be based on information rather than speculation.
For those seeking guidance on how changes across Maroochydore and the wider Sunshine Coast may affect property decisions, speaking with a trusted local property expert can provide clarity and confidence as the region continues to grow.