SunCentral Maroochydore in Queensland’s CBD is inviting expressions of interest for a stake in Australia’s only greenfield CBD site in an urban area.

The new 53-hectare Maroochydore city centre has 150,000sqm of commercial space and 65,000sqm of retail floor area. “Because it is a greenfield site, we can embed digital technology into the foundations of the central business district to create a genuine city of the future with super high speed connectivity, smart signage and lighting and public realm wi-fi,” said John Knaggs, CEO, SunCentral Maroochydore.

Knaggs said an independent assessment estimated the new CBD would provide a $4.4 billion boost to the Sunshine Coast economy over the next 20 years and generate 15,000 jobs in the next decade.

“The Sunshine Coast is one of only five regional cities recognised by Infrastructure Australia as being a major contributor to the nation’s productivity and the new CBD at Maroochyodre offers the chance to be part of that economic growth,” Knaggs said.

SunCentral Maroochydore Chairman Dr Doug McTaggart said the region had attracted over $8.5 billion in private investment and $2.5 billion in major infrastructure projects in recent years, reflecting strong business confidence.

“The recently announced Sunshine Coast Airport expansion is a significant drawcard because it will provide better, faster connections to national and global markets,’’ Dr McTaggart said. “With economic and population growth both strong, now is the time to capitalise on increasing national and international interest in this region.

The latest CCIQ Westpac survey ranked the Sunshine Coast as Queensland’s most profitable region.

Visitor numbers rose by 9.4 per cent to 8.5 million in 2015 with the expanded airport catering for more international arrivals.

“Many business advisers and leaders are starting to wake up to the potential of regional cities – but the Sunshine Coast is already ahead of them,” Knaggs said.

Over 40 per cent of the city centre site will be waterways and parks, with the new CBD offering cycle paths, shaded walkways, public spaces and a central corso lined with boutique stores, restaurants and bars. “This is an exciting chance to create a brand new CBD, one that meets the economic, social and digital needs of today and for future generations.’’

Access exclusive analysis, locked news and reports with Inside Retail Weekly. Subscribe today and get our premium print publication delivered to your door every week.