Construction is about to get underway on the $150 million Crowne Plaza Maroochydore Sunshine Coast, with the new-build hotel set to play a major role in meeting soaring accommodation demand on the Sunshine Coast ahead of the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games.
The project will officially commence with a sod-turning ceremony onsite, marking the start of works on what is shaping up to be one of the region’s most significant mixed-use tourism developments. Construction is expected to be completed in 2028.
The announcement comes as pressure mounts on the Sunshine Coast’s hotel pipeline, with industry estimates showing the region will need more than 2,400 additional hotel rooms – the equivalent of around 10 new hotels – in the lead-up to Brisbane 2032 and beyond.
IHG Hotels & Resorts will operate the property under its premium Crowne Plaza brand, bringing global recognition, international distribution reach and access to IHG One Rewards, one of the world’s largest hotel loyalty programs.
Michael Maroun, director at Felix Capital, said the project represented much more than a hotel build.
“This project is about more than delivering a hotel, it’s about supporting the Sunshine Coast’s transformation into a world-class destination ahead of the Olympics and beyond,” he said.
“Maroochydore is fast emerging as a major commercial and lifestyle hub for the region and our project will put Ocean Street and Maroochydore at the epicentre of development over the next few years.”
IHG Hotels & Resorts managing director, Australasia & Pacific, Matthew Tripolone, said the Sunshine Coast was seeing growing demand from both corporate and leisure travellers.
“The Sunshine Coast is evolving rapidly as both a business and leisure destination, and we are seeing strong demand for high-quality, internationally branded accommodation,” Tripolone said. “This project is well positioned to support that growth and meet increasing demand ahead of 2032 and beyond.”
When complete, Crowne Plaza Maroochydore Sunshine Coast will feature 180 guest rooms, along with more than 900sqm of flexible meetings and events space, including a 600sqm ballroom designed to target conferences, weddings and business events.
Leisure facilities will include a 30-metre swimming pool, gym, sauna and secure basement parking across two levels.
Food and beverage outlets are also central to the plan, with a 167-seat all-day dining restaurant, 180-seat outdoor pool bar and lounge, ground-floor signature restaurant and lobby bar all included.
The wider development also incorporates AER Residences, comprising 24 luxury two- and three-bedroom apartments across the hotel’s top four levels, with prices starting from $1.65 million.
Maroun said buyer demand had been strong early in the campaign, with 25 per cent of apartments already sold, largely to owner-occupiers keen to secure a foothold in Maroochydore’s fast-growing future.
