$21.5m makeover carries hopes to transform CBD

An artist’s impression of the new C-Square development.

by Cameron Outridge

Nambour’s CBD is set for a dramatic transformation with Sydney-based Sandran Property Group announcing a $21.5 million redevelopment of the iconic C-Square complex, marking the largest private investment in the town since the 1980s.

Major overhaul began last week

Speaking at the October Chamber of Commerce Coffee Catchup at Nambour Cinema & Events Centre, Sandran’s owner William Phillips revealed construction would commence October 8, with early works starting before Christmas and the majority of the project rolling out in the new year.

“We purchased the property in 2021, and it has taken us considerable time to get this right - not only for ourselves but for the community,” Mr Phillips told local leaders and business owners.

He said the redevelopment aimed to raise the bar for quality in Nambour and inspire confidence across the wider business community. He said Sandran was committed to driving momentum in the CBD and hoped the project would encourage others to invest. “We’re here to make a difference and are looking forward to getting on with it in the coming weeks,” he said.

What’s Planned

The comprehensive redevelopment will feature:

• Complete facade modernisation with contemporary materials and glass shopfronts
• New commercial tower designed to attract government departments back to Nambour
• Revitalised courtyard space with landscaping, trees, and outdoor dining areas
• Ground-floor retail spaces accessible from multiple entry points
• Improved connectivity between the cinema complex, retail zones and train station

Why Nambour?

Mr Phillips, whose company operates 87 properties across Australia from Darwin to Hobart, said Nambour’s community spirit set it apart.

“We see something very special in Nambour,” he said. 

“You can see the community, the passion ... seeing all of you here today ... really gives me the enthusiasm to continue with the project,” he said.

Sandran has been invested in Nambour since 2009 and recently successfully revitalised the cinema complex, which was facing closure before their intervention.

Jobs and Government return

The developer is in active discussions with state and federal government departments about relocating back to Nambour once the commercial spaces are completed.

“Once we have commercial space that can cater to all the requirements that government needs, they’ll be able to start to hopefully bring departments back, bring jobs,” Mr Phillips said, noting the flow-on effects for local cafes, shops and services.

The project aims to be completed within 12 months with Mr Phillips expressing hope for a community opening event in the new courtyard space.