This newly revamped Sunshine Coast boutique has net-zero in its sights

The Caloundra City Centre Motel has reopened as Motel Caloundra, a stay on the Sunshine Coast that aims to be the first net-zero offering in the region.

Stripped to its bare bones, hotel developers and designers Andrew and Lucy Pink, in partnership with Maeva Hospitality’s Scott Armstrong, have reimagined the old property, located opposite The Events Centre and the site of the proposed Sunshine Coast Regional Gallery.

The new regional gallery is an integral component of the creation of a community and creative arts hub as part of the Caloundra Centre Master Plan.

The nine-room Motel Caloundra is able to boast ‘location, location, location’, but had seen better days when the Pinks and Scott Armstrong began their modernisation of the property. 

Rooms and bathrooms were ripped back to concrete and redesigned, new double-glazed windows were installed for soundproofing and insulation, and deluxe interiors – including king beds with organic cotton sheets – and smart TVs with Netflix installed.

Superior king rooms also have a private outdoor balcony and dedicated car parking space, as part of the redevelopment a family suite and apartment were also added. 

Guests will have access to Oggy E-scooters (for rent) on-site to discover Caloundra’s coastal paths, and the motel is just a short walk to the town’s beaches, restaurants, cafes, bars and renowned street art trail. 

A key feature of the motel’s transformation is the installation of a rooftop bank of 47 solar panels, which will produce 19.50kw of power during the day, and batteries which will produce a further 23kw of power during the evening, allowing the hotel to operate for most of the time without need for external energy sources.  

Andrew Pink said that they had been drawn to the property by its central location and the potential for it to play an important role in Caloundra’s future development.

“There’s no doubt that we are right in the heart of Caloundra’s future development plans, which are very exciting,” Pink, said.  

“To be just a short walk from Caloundra’s beaches and across the road from The Events Centre and the future regional gallery makes it even more important for visitors to have access to high-quality accommodation.

“We will also work closely with The Events Centre to facilitate their requirements for VIP accommodation for performers and delegates. 

“Scott and I have gone out of our way to make the hotel a model of sustainability, given the Sunshine Coast’s commitment to sustainability and its UNESCO biosphere status.” 

Visit Sunshine Coast CEO, Matt Stoeckel, said welcomed the launch of the revamped motel and its investment in state-of-the-art energy sustainability technology.

“Caloundra is fortunate to have some of the Sunshine Coast’s most attractive beaches as well as having the Glass House Mountains nearby, and this commitment to sustainability highlights our tourism operators’ support for our natural environment,” Stoeckel, said.

“Caloundra plays a vital role in our tourism economy, not just as an enviable holiday playground, but also as a premium destination for major events, conferences, art and culture, and sport, and the re-launch of Motel Caloundra will contribute significantly to the area’s future tourism development.”