Spotlight Property Group has unveiled the site of its new $30 million Stage 1 retail development in the heart of Queensland’s Sunshine Coast.

Spotlight Group executive deputy chairman, Zac Fried announced the group’s investment in the 4.35 hectare Maroochydore City Centre site.

The work will generate over 230 full-time jobs during construction and 270 further jobs upon opening. It includes an 11,000 square metre retail precinct anchored by Spotlight, Anaconda, and Harris Scarfe, opening early 2022.

“The Sunshine Coast is seeing a significant boom in families, couples and singles relocating from around the country. This development will generate hundreds of jobs for the local community and help contribute to Queensland’s post-Covid 19 economic recovery. Retail contributions from the site are projected at $11 million per annum in direct economic benefit in the region,” Fried said.

“The Maroochydore City Centre retail development has been years in the making and demonstrates our confidence in the growth and opportunities to be found in south east Queensland.”

In line with Sunshine Coast Council’s vision for the city centre, Stage 1 of the development will complement the multi-billion dollar Maroochydore City Centre Priority Development Area to be delivered by Walker Corporation, which will include around 160,000 square metres of retail, approximately 4,000 apartments, and new commercial, dining and hotel precincts.

Sunshine Coast Council Mayor Mark Jamieson said he was pleased to see such a well-known, established brand like Spotlight commit to the new Maroochydore City Centre precinct.

“This is a tremendous outcome for our region, it’s a significant financial investment which will create hundreds of job opportunities during construction as well as when the precinct is open and operating to its full capacity,” he said.

“Spotlight, Anaconda and Harris Scarfe are well established, national brands and their decision to have a significant presence on the Sunshine Coast reinforces the work our Council has undertaken to deliver a 21st century, contemporary, attractive and vibrant CBD for our region.”

The Maroochydore City Centre development is a joint project between Sunshine Coast Council, Walker Corporation and SunCentral Maroochydore. Future stages of Spotlight Group’s investment in the area will include additional retail, office, tourism, and hospitality venues.