Design plans for a new town square in Caloundra are gaining momentum after the Queensland Government pledged $4 million towards the project. This funding will be combined with resources from the Sunshine Coast Council to establish a vibrant public space at the corner of Bulcock Street and Otranto Avenue, adjacent to the recently opened Library+.
The initiative is part of a broader $12.8 million project, a collaboration between the council and the Queensland Government’s Department of Local Government. The goal is to enhance the city center by creating a pedestrian link, expanding green spaces, and developing a welcoming public precinct.
Transforming Caloundra’s City Center
Member for Caloundra, Kendall Morton, expressed her enthusiasm for the project, stating, “I’m excited to be delivering a town center that the whole region can be proud of.” She emphasized the importance of community spaces for the local business community and residents, noting that the new town square will become a vibrant hub of activity in the heart of the Caloundra CBD.
The council has appointed Urbis, the consultancy firm responsible for designing the new Library+ Caloundra, as the lead consultant for the town square’s detailed design. The proposed design includes green open spaces, enhanced lighting, improved pathways, and pedestrian-friendly streetscapes on Omrah and Otranto avenues, linking the new town square to the main street.
Timeline and Future Developments
Detailed design work has commenced and is expected to be completed over the next 12 months. Construction of the new town square is slated to begin in mid-2026, with completion anticipated by mid-2027.
Mayor Rosanna Natoli highlighted the project’s potential to transform Caloundra into a dynamic civic and cultural hub. “The Caloundra Community and Creative Hub will create a public space precinct that will knit together The Events Centre, new Library+, Caloundra Regional Gallery, and town square through to Bulcock Street and beyond,” she said.
“This is another exciting step forward in creating a walkable heart for Caloundra – a place where people come to meet, learn, and relax.” – Mayor Rosanna Natoli
Economic and Community Impact
Council CEO John Baker emphasized the significance of the project as a major milestone in the broader Caloundra Centre Activation Project. “By connecting key destinations and improving public spaces, we’re creating the kind of lively, people-centric town center that attracts new business, investment, and community life,” he stated.
According to Baker, the project is not only about enhancing current infrastructure but also about planning for the future. The new town square, along with the Library+ and the Caloundra Transport Corridor Upgrade, is expected to attract businesses and boost the local economy.
“We are achieving this by planning for our future with the new town square, Library+, and delivering infrastructure such as the Caloundra Transport Corridor Upgrade that will also help attract business into the town.” – John Baker, Council CEO
Looking Ahead
This development follows a series of strategic initiatives aimed at revitalizing Caloundra’s city center. As the town square project progresses, it is expected to serve as a catalyst for further urban development and community engagement in the region.
The move represents a significant investment in Caloundra’s future, promising to enhance the quality of life for residents and attract visitors to the area. As the project unfolds, stakeholders are optimistic about the positive impact on the local economy and community well-being.
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