Nambour CBD attracts over $100 million dollars in private investment
Artist’s impression of the C Square development currently under construction in the front and centre of Nambour's CBD.
Artist’s impression of the C Square development currently under construction in the front and centre of Nambour's CBD.
I Am Nambour’s Rhonda Billett.
Projects set to revitalise town centre
The scale of private investment pouring into Nambour’s CBD — now topping $100 million — will be laid out in detail at the Nambour Chamber of Commerce Sub Regional Coffee Catch Up this morning (Thursday, October 2) at Nambour Cinema & Events Centre.
Business leaders, developers and government representatives will discuss the wave of projects already underway and those in the pipeline, including the multi-million-dollar C-Square redevelopment, a major Mill Street precinct proposal, and new commercial and childcare facilities.
Chamber of Commerce Meeting: What’s on the agenda today
Nambour Chamber of Commerce Coffee Catch Up
Nambour Cinema & Events Centre, C-Square
Thursday October 2, 7.30am–9.30am
Headline Speakers
• William Phillips – Owner, C-Square Nambour
• Cameron Taylor – Sundale CEO
• John Baker – Sunshine Coast Council CEO (Q&A)
Special Guests
• Marty Hunt – Member for Nicklin
• Rosanna Natoli – Sunshine Coast Mayor (7.30–8.15am)
Major Projects in focus
• C-Square redevelopment: multi-million-dollar upgrade now under construction
• Mill House precinct: new multi-million-dollar proposal for Mill Street, Mill Lane and Bury Street
• CBD dwellings & retail hub: $50m application lodged for Currie & Bury St
• Evolution Childcare & lifestyle precinct: approved five-storey facility on Howard St
Speakers will also call on Sunshine Coast Council and other levels of government to match private confidence with long-overdue streetscaping, infrastructure upgrades and public domain improvements.
I Am Nambour’s Rhonda Billett says business confidence is returning to Nambour’s town centre as Sandran Property Group pushes ahead with the multi-million-dollar upgrade of the landmark C-Square precinct.
The project will deliver a complete refresh of the commercial and retail hub, modernising shopfronts, public spaces, and building systems in line with Sunshine Coast Council’s CBD activation projects.
Major works planned
C-Square will see upgraded commercial and retail tenancies, new landscaping and façade treatments and significant improvements to accessibility and building compliance. Mechanical, fire, and electrical systems will be overhauled to meet modern standards, while public areas will be re-designed to create a more vibrant, people-friendly destination.
Works are set to commence shortly, with a construction program expected to run 12 months. Sandran has committed to a multi-million-dollar investment in the project, though the exact figure has not been disclosed.
A principal contractor has been secured along with design and services consultants and early enabling works are already underway.
Post-upgrade, Sandran is targeting a stronger mix of commercial, hospitality, retail, and community facilities to complement existing businesses and attract more visitors to Nambour. The goal is to position C-Square as a true community hub, drawing locals and visitors alike.
Part of a bigger picture
The redevelopment ties directly into Sunshine Coast Council’s broader efforts to activate the Nambour CBD. Council has been pushing for stronger investment, more vibrant streets, and improved public amenity—something Sandran says this project will help deliver.
Sandran acquired C-Square in 2021 and has long signalled its intent to reinvest in the property. This redevelopment marks the largest capital injection into the site since its original construction.
Sandran says its commitment is about more than just bricks and mortar. “We believe in the future of Nambour and are proud to play our part in its revitalisation. C-Square will be reimagined as a modern, sustainable, and community-focused precinct that supports local jobs, attracts new businesses, and delivers spaces the whole community can be proud of.”
Significant Approved Applicationsand Current Development Applications Lodged for Nambour's CBD at a glance:
• C Square Nambour, Currently under construction.
• Million dollar luxury cinema fit out undertaken by Sandran completed.
• Iron Chef Pty Ltd (Dirk Long, Matt Evans, owners of MooloolabaWharf Precinct and Tony Kelly) - Application Lodged. Multi million-dollar development application and revitalisation project for Nambour's heritage listed Mill House precinct in Mill Street, Mill Lane and Bury Streets Nambour.
• ARM Property Investment Group - Application Lodged: Approx. $50million proposed development application for CBD dwellings and adjoining retail space Corner of Currie and Bury St Nambour.
• Mariara Property Group Pty Ltd - Application Approved- Evolution Child Care: Multi 5 story million dollar Child Care facility Application Approved including Food Garden, Cooking School, Yoga and Music Studios. Howard Street Nambour.
Business leaders urge government to back CBD
Business and community leaders are urging all levels of government to address the needs of the Nambour CBD as a priority, including much needed streetscaping/maintenance projects and beautification, as private investment gathers momentum.
Rhonda Billett - Nambour Groups Leader - I am Nambour Chair: Private investment in Nambour tops $100m – now government must step up
“We have not seen this much investment attraction and interest in Nambour since the 1980's and there is even more investor interest coming over the next 12 months for Nambour, its exciting times ahead.
“I personally have worked really hard over the last few years with the Nambour groups (I am Nambour, Nambour Chamber of Commerce and Nambour Tram Co) to highlight all of things that make Nambour great. We have curated content specifically to attract visitors as well as investors to the region and give them a reason to visit and invest here, whilst also promoting the fresh, new vibes in Nambour. We are achieving some great outcomes as a result and there is still more investment to come for the Nambour CBD.”
“In moving forward however, we will need an increase in support from all levels of government. Division 10 is the largest of all Sunshine Coast Council divisions and constantly misses out on solid budget commitment. Nambour's CBD was heavily overlooked and under funded recently in the latest Sunshine Coast Council budget in particular.
“With this type of private investment now coming into Nambour, with a value exceeding over $100 million dollars, the past attitudes to government expenditure in this part of the region is going to need to change. As a region we have attracted significant, private investment and now it is up to the government to support these significant investors whose developments will not only provide hundreds of employment opportunities, but also bring prosperity to the region. The new Sunshine Coast Council CEO, Mayor, sitting councillors and the executive leadership team now need to do their bit, quickly and without fuss for the future of Nambour's CBD.
“Nambour has great bones, we have all of the good stuff here, including heavy rail into our CBD, two hospitals, TAFE, lots of great schools both public and private, which are the region’s biggest assets. Families are also moving into this region we are seeing and they appreciate what a great lifestyle is on offer here.
"We are also hosting an Olympic Event here in Nambour in 2032 being mountain biking, so these types of private investments and interest in the CBD could not have come at a better time for the town.”
Division 10 Cr David Law: Council must deliver long-promised library and streetscaping
“It is unacceptable that the council has withdrawn major investment for Nambour which was due to commence this year. This investment was to provide streetscaping of Bury Street, a brand-new library and forecourt. Significant council funding now is essential to support the private sector investment that is about to occur, and I will continue to be a strong advocate for this.”
Nambour Chamber of Commerce President Mark Bray: Small council investment now will unlock big future growth
“Nambour needs funding to revitalise the town and activate projects throughout the town.
“Nambour, given its history as a main centre on the Sunshine Coast, and with its existing infrastructure, is well positioned to provide a solid platform to continue to grow and be a hinterland centre.
“Over the past 30 years – and particularly the past 5 years – with the increased and increasing population of the Sunshine Coast, Nambour is coming the full circle to once again become a hinterland hub for the Sunshine Coast.
“The CBD development in Maroochydore is extremely important and we should have it, but the figures clearly show that with the rapid population growth, there is an ever-increasing appetite for a hinterland style of living, and Nambour is perfectly placed to provide a commercial and residential Hub to support those residents.
“If council is prepared to provide some funds now into say, placemaking, beautifications, infrastructure in Nambour – comparatively small amounts in my opinion – council will reap the revenue benefits going forward as the hinterland steadily grows, which it has and will no doubt continue to do.”
Nambour Tram Co Chair Greg Rogerson: Council risks losing golden egg developments without public domain upgrades
“As a long term local and someone who genuinely wants to see Nambour thrive and restore itself to it’s former bustling, vibrant and productive past, I am extremely excited and can’t wait for some of these proposed developments to come to fruition.
“With the private sector backing our great town of Nambour and demonstrating their willingness to invest millions of dollars to ensure the success of their developments, all that is needed now is a council which is prepared to play their vital and responsible role in sprucing up the public domain in parallel or preferably before these proposed developments start taking shape.
“The Sunshine Coast Council has to demonstrate its leadership by investing sufficient rate payer taxes back into the streetscape and public domain within Nambour.
“Without council’s financial investment into reshaping the town’s centre, through revamped footpaths and tidying up the rather dilapidated public domain within the town, they jeopardise losing these ‘golden egg’ developments.
“Nambour must be appreciated by council as the true hinterland gateway for the vast number of hinterland residents and tourists alike, who rely on it through the businesses it supports and the services it provides.”