Upscaled plans have been revealed for a pivotal new hotel development at Maroochydore on the Sunshine Coast in a bid to address the region's demand for conference and event infrastructure.
Sydney-based Felix Capital and hospitality giant IHG Hotels & Resorts have revised their previous concept for a Voco-branded hotel on the Ocean Street site.
In a strategic shift, the proposed development has been reworked after additional land was secured allowing the partners to “think bigger”—in favour of an 180-room hotel under IHG’s Crowne Plaza brand with more than 770sq m of meeting and event space, including a 600sq m ballroom.
“With Crowne Plaza at the heart of this development, we can now create a space that truly meets the needs of the region, particularly in the conferencing and events space,” Felix Capital director Michael Maroun said.
“We’re confident this hotel will not only attract events and activations to the Sunshine Coast but also elevate the broader visitor experience and boost the region’s appeal as a year-round destination.”
As well, the hotel will also feature a 30m pool and spa, wellness retreat, gym, sauna, and two levels of secure basement parking.
Food and beverage offerings would include a 210-seat all-day restaurant, 160-seat signature dining venue, outdoor pool bar and lounge, and a lobby bar.
IHG Hotels & Resorts Australasia and Pacific managing director Matt Tripolone said feedback had indicated there was “real value in delivering a hotel that puts conferences and events at its core”.
“We’re proud to support Felix Capital’s vision to deliver an incredible asset that will draw people to the region for business, leisure, and everything in between,” he said.
Capping the hotel development, 24 luxury two and three-bedroom apartments would occupy the top four floors and are expected to be launched to the market by the end of the year with prices starting from about $2 million.
“We want to create something really unique to top out this development and we believe the inclusion of the state-of-the-art apartments that will sit atop the proposed Crowne Plaza hotel will achieve this,” Felix Capital’s Michael Maroun said.
Designed by architecture firm DBI, the high-end apartments will range from 110sq m to 280sq m and residents will be able to enjoy many of the hotel’s facilities.
Construction of the hotel is slated to begin in early 2026, with a targeted opening in 2028.
It is forecast the region will require more than 2400 additional hotel rooms, or about 10 new hotels, by 2032 to support its economic development.
The revised Ocean Street scheme supersedes the previous plans to build a 13-storey tower for a 153-key hotel as part of a mixed-use proposal earmarked for a 2190sq m site at 15-17 Ocean Street.
