The man who “laid the foundations” for the growing Maroochydore city centre is stepping down as chair of the group delivering the project.
Morgan Parker has signalled his retirement from the board of SunCentral Maroochydore, after overseeing its first 10 years.
“Every multigenerational undertaking has to be treated like a relay race,” he said.
“We have a great deal of talent around us right now and it’s time for fresh leadership to carry the project forward, particularly with the Olympics on the horizon.
“I’m proud of what we’ve accomplished at SunCentral and I’m excited for the next phase.”
The $4 billion Maroochydore city centre project is being delivered in partnership with SunCentral, Sunshine Coast Council and Walker Corporation.
Sunshine Coast mayor Rosana Natoli commended the outgoing chair’s impact.
“Morgan Parker has been a key figure in guiding the direction of Maroochydore city centre since SunCentral’s establishment in 2015,” she said.
“His insights and expertise have contributed to the project’s progress over the past decade. We thank him for his remarkable service and commitment to this significant regional initiative.”
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Walker managing director and CEO David Gallant also applauded Mr Parker.
“Morgan Parker’s contributions over the past decade have laid the foundations for success, and we look forward to continuing our work with SunCentral and Sunshine Coast Council to create a world-class city centre,” he said.
Mr Parker said SunCentral’s mission from the outset was to create a balanced, sustainable city centre that served as a hub for the region.
“SunCentral was established by Sunshine Coast Council to provide independent commercial expertise to drive delivery of a world-class city centre, and our model is now globally recognised as best in class,” he said.
A Sunshine Coast local with 30 years’ experience as a global real estate investor, developer and banker, Mr Parker said he was eager to contribute to the development of the centre.
“The Sunshine Coast had given me so much and when the opportunity to be part of SunCentral Maroochydore arose I knew it was the right time to give back,” he said.
“The mayor and council had a tremendous vision and I was motivated to help bring that vision to life.”
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Mr Parker, who works on new city developments worldwide, said the Sunshine Coast project was unique because of its focus on environmental sustainability and lifestyle, alongside commercial goals.
“The uniqueness of Maroochydore city centre is its ability to authentically balance catalytic economic growth with a modern interpretation of an attractive lifestyle and a genuine focus on sustainability,” he said.
Key milestones during its first 10 years include breaking ground at Foundation Place, building Australia’s first underground waste collection station, the arrival of an undersea cable and the addition of Sunshine Coast Council’s award-winning City Hall.
“Maroochydore city centre is more than a development, it’s an economic driver, creating jobs and career paths so young locals can build their futures here, without needing to leave for Brisbane,” Mr Parker said.
Australia’s largest greenfield CBD, the city centre now has 775 residents, 310 homes, 1100 workers and more than 40 employers.
Under the masterplan, the city will be home to 10,000 residents, provide 4000 new homes, and create 20,000 permanent jobs.
The city will also feature 240,000sqm of commercial and retail space, a hospital, more than 10 hectares of open space and parkland, and a 6.5-hectare centralised waterway.
