C-Square works spark investor confidence in Nambour’s revival
From left, Simon Hawkins, David Steel, William Phillips and Marty Hunt.
By Cameron Outridge
Work on Nambour’s C-Square redevelopment is off to a strong start, with investor William Phillips saying the $21.5 million-plus project was lifting confidence in the town and signalling a turning point for the CBD.
The Managing Director of Sandran Property Group said stage one works were progressing smoothly as demolition was completed and hoarding and early construction took shape.
“We commenced in early November and the team at FDC are getting on well with the stage one works,” he said. “It’s good for the community to see some works underway in the CBD, which I think gives a lot of confidence to other businesses and people in Nambour that the town is on the right trajectory.”
Stage two, repositioning the office tower and re-energising the courtyard, will get underway in the new year. Mr Phillips said that phase would deliver the most visible transformation.
He confirmed the team was already in discussions with prospective tenants across service, retail, office and food and beverage industries. Early feedback was promising and the interest was a sign of growing commercial confidence in Nambour.
‘An area crying out for change’
Mr Phillips said Sandran had been invested in the Sunshine Coast for more than 15 years, and the decision to purchase C Square emerged during the early stages of COVID. “It was an opportunity to transform part of Nambour and an area that was crying out for change. And we just know that if we put our money, time and effort into what we’re doing here, it’s going to reap rewards, not just for ourselves but for the community as well.”
He said the group was driven by a genuine belief in community-focused projects.
“We’re passionate about communities and we know that we have the ability to make a change,” he said. “It’s transformative. It’s Nambour’s opportunity, and we’re seeing so many positive shoots around town. The community is so passionate and we’re feeding off that passion,” he said. “I just can’t wait to see the opportunity come to life so that everyone can enjoy it.”
‘Now’s the time to invest’
Mr Phillips said momentum was building across the CBD, with other owners moving ahead with their own plans.
“There are definitely shop fronts that are being revamped,” he said. “Businesses are making plans. Retail and residential prices are moving. Those are the tell-tale signs that the economy of Nambour is growing.”
He issued a direct call to business owners and investors watching Nambour from the sidelines. “If you’re going to invest in Nambour, now’s the time. Don’t wait because the opportunities won’t be around forever,” he said. “Come to Nambour, come where the change is happening, and join the momentum of what we’re doing.”
He said Sandran was committing more than $21.5 million to transform C-Square and expected others to follow.
“We’re going to see a lot of others come in behind us, many of whom are already communicating what they’re about to do,” he said. “If you want to invest, now’s the time to do it. Go Nambour!”
Member for Nicklin Marty Hunt said it was great to tour the site last week and see the progress first-hand.
“Seeing work underway at C-Square is a real milestone for Nambour,” Mr Hunt said.
“This redevelopment by Will and the team from Sandran Property Group is exactly the kind of momentum our CBD has been waiting for, and it’s already lifting confidence right across the town.
“This is just some of the exciting new developments in Nambour – over $150 million has been earmarked for our town in private investment, plus the $2.53 our Crisafulli Government is investing to support the Sunshine Coast Council’s delivery of the Nambour (Namba) Place Plan along Mill St into Currie Street.”
Division 10 Cr David Law said the C-Square redevelopment was a major catalyst for Nambour’s renewal. “It is wonderful to see this significant private investment by Sandran get underway. Early next year Council will begin stage one of the Namba Place Plan. This will see Mill Street become a pedestrian-focussed street with one way traffic and wider footpaths and public spaces. At the same time, a vastly improved pedestrian crossing will be constructed on Currie Street with the support of State Government funding. This will complement the major works taking place at C-Square, creating a CBD that attracts investment and provides a greener, calmer traffic environment.”
