Sunshine Coast Council director sustainable growth and planning Debra Robinson.
Nambour is experiencing its biggest wave of private investment in decades, with more than $300 million in developments either underway or approved across the town.
Sunshine Coast Council Director of Sustainable Growth and Planning Debra Robinson told the Nambour Chamber of Commerce that investment was reaching levels not seen since the 1980s.
“There is a lot of private investment occurring in Nambour,” she said.
Among the major projects is the $30 million redevelopment of C-Square in Currie Street by Sandran, incorporating a cinema refit, building makeover, professional offices and refurbishment of the tower.
Other projects included the $13 million Everyday Living Foundation development in Currie Street, a $12 million investment in Kairos Community College and the $10 million Mill Street Housing Precinct project, incorporating food markets and a music venue.
Ms Robinson also outlined several major developments approved by Council but not yet under construction.
These include a $130 million, 230-dwelling over-55s development on Savills Road, a $25 million mixed-use development in Howard Street, a separate $25 million bulky goods showroom development in Howard Street, and a $10 million medical and childcare facility in Carroll Street.
Another $50 million development by Rod Constantinides would deliver about 160 residential units on the corner of Currie & Bury Streets.
Ms Robinson stressed that while some projects were already progressing, others remained approved developments awaiting construction.
Council was also working to support the investment through an economic development activation roadmap. “In terms of economic development, we have an economic development activation roadmap that sets out what we're going to do in terms of activation for Nambour over the coming years. Just in terms of what we are doing, we have 11 core pillars: activate and further energise the CBD, enhance streetscapes and public spaces, foster community pride and engagement, leverage major events for economic growth, improve safety and build confidence, grow the morning economy and capitalise on the nighttime economy."
Ms Robinson highlighted Nambour's special entertainment precinct designation, shared by only one other Queensland location, Fortitude Valley.
"I don't know if many of you are aware, but Nambour has a Special Entertainment Precinct. It is only one of two in Queensland, the other one being Fortitude Valley. So there is a special entertainment precinct allocated for Nambour. Ocean Street wanted it. We gave it to Nambour. We think that's a really positive thing,” she said. “Let's get our nighttime economy going, right?”
Council's economic development team is also working on improving the appearance of vacant CBD shopfronts, including window decals, while supporting community-led beautification and public art projects.