Elen Storey, 1860 unit Hotel approved under Temporary Local Planning Instrument

Sunshine Coast has approved the first project under its Accommodation Hotel Incentives Package, giving the green light to a luxury hotel project in the heart of Caloundra.

The Holiday Inn and Suites Caloundra project, will comprise shops and cafes at ground level, restaurant and hotel amenities on level 1, 160 suites over levels 2-10, and a rooftop restaurant and bar, with outdoor dining and function rooms on level 11.

Located at 1-55 Bulcock Street, it is the first development application approved under the incentives package that was introduced as a Temporary Local Planning Instrument to attract upscale international-branded hotels and boost the region’s economy.

Sunshine Coast Mayor Rosanna Natoli said that the approval was a step in the right direction.

Cr Natoli said that the project would help meet the growing demand for high quality accommodation, while also boosting demand for local experiences.

“We know we are missing out on high-value visitors because we simply don’t have enough upscale hotels rooms,” she said.

It is estimated that one upscale hotel will provide $29.5 million in annual visitor spend, 422 jobs during construction and 165 ongoing roles, once operational.

Deputy Premier and Minister for State Development, Infrastructure and Planning. Jarrod Bleijie, said that he encouraged more investment across the state.

“Delivering more hotel rooms like the will support the Sunshine Coast as it hosts multiple Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games events.”