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Developer the Walker Corporation has unveiled a billion-dollar proposal for a 7000-seat arena, athlete village and five-star hotel on the Sunshine Coast.

Submitted to the Brisbane 2032 Independent Infrastructure and Coordination Authority’s 100-Day Review, the Horizon Centre proposal is aimed at transforming the Maroochydore city centre and having the Sunshine Coast included as a premier destination for the Brisbane 2032 Games.

A media release from Walker said the 1400 athlete beds would provide much-needed accommodation for the Coast, while the 7000-seat multi-format arena would evolve into a world-class art, sport, convention, entertainment and exhibition centre, with the potential to host the biggest global concerts and events.

Walker Managing Director and Chief Executive, David Gallant advised “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, so we are excited to accelerate the delivery of this asset, to create a powerful Brisbane 2032 legacy.”

The media release said the centre would have dedicated car parking and capitalise on the city centre’s 10-minute connection to the Sunshine Coast Airport and major transport routes.

The project would be delivered as a public private partnership between Walker Corporation, construction company Built and architects Woods Bagot.

Woods Bagot Chief Executive, Sarah Kay said the centre would leverage her company’s global experience in civic assets to create a multipurpose, future-proof facility for all of South-East Queensland.

Kay advised “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.”

Woods Bagot is part of a consortium currently delivering the $450 million Nyaal Banyul Geelong Convention and Event Centre together in Victoria.

Images: Impressions of the proposed Horizon Centre. Credit: Walker Corporation.

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