The announcement follows a council decision last November to divide the Brisbane Road Car Park site into two parcels and call for tenders to design and construct a multi-deck car park on land fronting Smith Street and First Avenue.
Mayor Mark Jamieson said the car park project would deliver a minimum of 700 public parking spaces over eight levels, all of which would be at or above ground.
“The construction cost is estimated to be approximately $18 million, which will be finalised and confirmed pending the outcomes of the development assessment process and detailed design.
“The Mooloolaba Local Area Parking Plan recognises a potential need for an additional 1000 off-street car parking spaces over a 20-year period to 2036, to service Mooloolaba as a whole,” Mayor Jamieson said.
“Not all of the increase is required immediately, nor is it expected that the Brisbane Road Car Park site would be required to accommodate the entire 1000 car parking spaces, however this project will go some way towards addressing the 2036 target.”
Divisional Councillor John Connolly said the Brisbane Road Car Park redevelopment was one of many Mooloolaba infrastructure projects council and State and Federal governments were investing in to create a world-class destination for residents and visitors to enjoy.
He cited the $3.5 million Mooloolaba Beach Holiday Park redevelopment, the $2 million Mooloolaba boardwalk upgrade, the recently completed $5.15 million Mayes Canal pedestrian and cycling bridge co-funded by council and the Queensland Government and the recently announced $12 million Mayes Canal to Venning St corridor upgrade contribution from the Federal Government.
“This new multi-level car park will be more than a parking solution. With retail on the ground level, it will contribute to the local economy and activate the First Avenue and Smith Street corner,” Cr Connolly said.
“Council will communicate to residents and visitors that Mooloolaba is ‘open for business’ during the construction period.
“We will also ensure appropriate marketing strategies are in place through Visit Sunshine Coast to maintain, and in fact, build on Mooloolaba’s enviable reputation and tourist numbers.”
Evans Built Director Sean Evans said the company was excited to be part of this landmark project for Sunshine Coast Council.
“Our long history as a commercial builder is deeply rooted in the Sunshine Coast area and we are pleased to be working alongside council to deliver quality facilities for our community,” Mr Evans said.
“Our employees are Sunshine Coast people. Our architect, town planner and other team consultants are drawn from local companies.
“Evans Built is part of the Mooloolaba community and we support local subcontractors and businesses in our daily operations, and in the delivery of our projects.
“We look forward to realising the Brisbane Road multi-deck car park here in our own backyard.”
Construction is expected to start in November 2019 once development approval has been obtained. The project is forecast to be completed in November 2020.
During construction of the multi-deck carpark, council anticipates about 100 car park bays will remain available on the balance of the Brisbane Road Car park site fronting Brisbane Road.
This is in addition to other car parking options council has opened up to accommodate car parking during the construction period, including the former North Mooloolaba Caravan Park site.
Council has ensured within the contract that, wherever possible, construction workers are required to use the purpose-built public car park at Incana Court, which will minimise the impact of construction and associated parking requirements around the site.
Council is continuing to work through the Expressions of Interest process for the balance parcel of the Brisbane Road Car Park site fronting Brisbane Road.
