Thousands of jobs to be filled during construction of towering project in city centre
One of Australia’s oldest builders has been officially announced as the major construction contractor for a $300 million development in the heart of the Sunshine Coast.
Paynter Dixon, which has operated around the country since 1914, will assemble SOL by Walker – two 19-storey mixed-use towers with 248 dwellings – in the Maroochydore city centre.
About 2000 local jobs will be created during the construction of the first tower, which will feature 111 residences with views across the coast and hinterland, wellness resort-style amenities and access to retail, dining and green spaces. Residents are expected to move in by 2027.
Paynter Dixon CEO James Boyd said the company brought experience and quality to the region.
“SOL by Walker is an exciting opportunity to create high-quality homes within a vibrant city centre, while generating significant local employment,” he said.
“It also strengthens our multi-state partnership with (developer) Walker, delivering developments that set new benchmarks for quality and design.
“For more than 110 years, Paynter Dixon has delivered landmark projects across Australia, and we’re proud to now bring our expertise in premium residential and mixed-use construction to the Sunshine Coast.”
Contractor Delta Group completed the site establishment and bulk earthworks last month for the flagship residential project, which is now over 90 per cent sold for the first tower.
Paynter Dixon started ground level construction last month, before stakeholders gathered to officially announce the builder’s appointment this week.
Paynter Dixon senior project engineer Amberlie Andrejic said the city centre provided local construction workers with incredible opportunities close to home.
“There are so many of us who love being a part of the team on large scale projects like SOL but usually we are having to travel to Brisbane for those and spend two hours each way stuck in traffic on the Bruce Highway,” she said.
Mayor Rosanna Natoli said the announcement signalled strong confidence in the future of the local economy.
“Each new project in the Maroochydore city centre helps local trades, engineers and suppliers grow, while bringing more customers through the doors of surrounding cafés, retailers and service providers,” she said.
“Together, we’re building a city where people can live, work and raise families close to home, giving Sunshine Coast residents access to the same opportunities as Australia’s major capitals.”
Walker Corporation is delivering the city centre in partnership with Sunshine Coast Council and SunCentral.
Walker’s group executive of development Peter Saba said Paynter Dixon had the expertise to deliver the company’s vision of premium apartment living.
“SOL by Walker is being delivered at a time of growing excitement around the Maroochydore City Centre and broader investment across the Sunshine Coast, which is one of Australia’s strongest economies, surrounded by great hospitality and services and just minutes from the beach.”
The Sunshine Coast residential markets is one of the tightest held in Australia, with new stock snapped up quickly.
The billions of dollars in infrastructure spend from state and federal governments ahead of the 2032 Olympics, is also helping to drive buyer enquiry, with South-East Queensland families looking for long term connectivity and amenity options.
KPMG economic estimates show the Games could generate $4.6 billion in economic development, $3.5 billion in social benefit and 91,600 jobs in Queensland.
SOL residents will nearly double the current CBD population. They’re set to play a vital role in shaping the community as the city continues to grow.
