DESIGN UNVEILED FOR CITY-SHAPING SPORTS PRECINCT ON THE SUNSHINE COAST
11 Mar 2025
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, has been proposed by Walker Corporation.
The 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 nearly 1,500 athletes and guests, cementing the Sunshine Coast as a key games and tourism destination and delivering a major legacy for Queensland. The project will be delivered as a Public Private Partnership (PPP) between Walker Corporation, Built and Woods Bagot.
The detailed submission focuses 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 $1-billion 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.
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.”
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.
