New city-shaping precinct proposed for Brisbane 2032 in the heart of the Sunshine Coast

Australia’s leading diversified private property company Walker Corporation has proposed the development of a new precinct in the heart of the Sunshine Coast, designed to be a premier destination for the Brisbane 2032 Olympic Games.

Walker Corporation’s state-of-the-art Horizon Centre plans to deliver a world-class 7,000-seat games arena, athletes village and 5-star hotel, which will not only host Olympic action but also provide accommodation for 1,400 athletes and guests, cementing the Sunshine Coast as a key games and tourism destination and delivering a major legacy for Queensland.

Plans for the Horizon Centre have been submitted to the Games Independent Infrastructure and Coordination Authority’s (GIICA) Brisbane 2032 Olympics 100-Day Review.

The detailed submission focussed on the legacy outcomes for the Sunshine Coast whilst delivering key infrastructure needed for the Games. The 1,400 athlete beds will transform into much needed accommodation for the Coast, whilst the 7,000-seat multi-format arena will evolve into a world-class arts, music, convention, entertainment and exhibition centre that can host the biggest global concerts and events.

The project will be delivered as a Public Private Partnership (PPP) between Walker Corporation, Built and Woods Bagot.

Describing the proposal as a game-changing opportunity to enhance Queensland’s Olympic legacy, Walker managing director and CEO David Gallant says, “This will be an iconic destination that delivers major events for sports, entertainment, the arts, conventions, exhibitions and other community uses, enabling Queensland to reap the benefits for decades to come, after putting on the best Olympic Games ever.”

“The Horizon Centre has always been central to the Maroochydore City Centre vision to create a landmark economic and social hub, which drives growth and unlocks opportunity for the Sunshine Coast,” he says.

The 6-star Green Star Horizon Centre will integrate with a multi-modal transport system to maximise usability of public and active transport. The precinct will also deliver large areas of open space, tailor-made for athletes to relax between competitions, dedicated car parking, and long-term recreation areas for the Sunshine Coast community, and will capitalise on Maroochydore City Centre’s 10-minute connection to the Sunshine Coast International Airport and major transport routes.

The PPP model proposed for the development will enable the private sector to provide the necessary funding needed to begin the $1 billion Horizon Centre sooner, ensuring delivery certainty and the quality to exceed Brisbane 2032 requirements, Walker Group executive of development Peter Saba says.

“By uniting the combined strengths of the public and private sectors through the PPP model, a balanced approach to risk sharing will enable innovative, legacy-driven outcomes to be realised on time and on budget. 

“The PPP model provides the certainty needed to deliver the Sunshine Coast the multi-use arts, music, convention, entertainment and exhibition centre the region has been in desperate need of for decades, while ultimately giving the Coast a world-class venue to host more Olympic competition or heats action.”

Built executive chairman Marco Rossi said they are ready to deliver this city-shaping precinct to enhance the Brisbane 2032 legacy.

“We are excited to leverage our global experience to create this architectural landmark for Maroochydore that will be a sustainable, world-class events space, while also providing critical social and employment outcomes,” Rossi says.

Woods Bagot chief executive officer Sarah Kay said the Horizon Centre will leverage their global experience in civic assets to create a multipurpose, future-proofed facility for all of South East Queensland.

“The Horizon Centre will be a premium architectural icon for the Sunshine Coast seamlessly integrating the arena with a multi-modal transport network, providing a secure athletes village, and carefully blending open space, landscaping and community into a cohesive outdoor environment,” Kay says.

The Horizon Centre proposal is currently under review with GIICA, which is set to present its recommendation from the 100-Day Review to the Queensland Government in March 2025.