A rapidly growing business hub is set for a significant overhaul that includes a state-of-the-art cinema, new plans before the council reveal.
Stockwell last week lodged a development application with Noosa Shire Council for a new mixed-use village precinct and the refurbishment of Noosa Civic shopping centre.
Managing director Mark Stockwell said the company had reignited a 20-year relationship with Reading Cinemas Australia to bring “more than just a movie theatre” to the centre.
“Our relationship with Reading, like our relationship with the Noosa community, started more than 22 years ago,” Mr Stockwell said.
“Together, we created the Newmarket Village of today in Brisbane, where we took an existing suburban shopping centre and transformed it into the community’s go-to place for leisure, services and retail.”
The new complex would house two Titan Luxe auditoriums with Dolby Atmos sound, 20-metre-wide screens and the latest in 4K digital projection equipment.
The complex would also feature full recliner seating in all auditoriums and foyer with food and beverage options.
Managing director Mark Douglas said Reading would be thrilled to bring its new cinema to Noosa Civic.
“What we are offering will showcase Reading Cinemas Noosa Civic as the gold standard in Australian cinema,” he said.
“Noosa is the beating heart of the Sunshine Coast, and we will be delivering our most advanced cinema yet to the region.
“Every seat in every screen will provide a superior level of comfort for our customers and we are confident that our Titan Luxe auditoriums will be the best place to see the latest blockbuster movies.”
Mr Stockwell said audiences could expect more than just going to see a movie.
“That aspect of the redevelopment really plays into the other part of the Noosa economy, which is events and tourism,” he said.
“There will be a stage in the main cinema, so it will be a theatre that can host things like conferences, school events, high school plays and an array of community events.
“We’re also working with Reading to turn the beautiful cinema foyer into an art gallery to hold events.”
The new village would have a variety of uses and offers, including convenience and specialty retail not currently offered in the area, new build-to-rent apartments and a mix of professional suites and office space on the upper levels.
The village would link into the existing centre by an open-air, pedestrian-friendly civic ‘spine’ and preserved nature reserve that would be lined with outdoor cafes, restaurants and retail outlets.
The space is designed to accommodate up to 5000 people and would work in with council’s tourism and event strategy.
“This is about providing services, retail, entertainment and accommodation to attract innovation, medical and service businesses to deliver on the community’s vision for the Noosa Business Centre,” Mr Stockwell said.
“It is about creating the essence of living in Noosa, reminiscent of Hastings Street or Sunshine Beach, where buildings have retail at ground level with offices and residential above.
“It is about creating both day and night experiences for the community as they move from working and shopping to private leisure time.
SUBSCRIBE here now for our FREE news feed, direct to your inbox daily.
“It is also expanding on the centre’s significant employment role in Noosa with an expected 7800 direct and indirect jobs to be created throughout the course of delivering this masterplan.”
He said he had a long-standing relationship and love for the Noosa Shire.
“We opened Noosa Civic 17 years ago and reacquired the centre and adjoining land in 2019,” he said.
“We have enjoyed continual support from the local community and enthusiasm from businesses to join us, which has given us confidence to continue to move ahead with our plans.
“Our ambition is to set up Noosa for the future, creating jobs for today and the next generation, keeping investment local – and for the community to not have to leave the local area for work, medical procedures or to use services or retail over 45 minutes drive away.
Related story: Roadmap for the region: council unveils new-look plan
“We look forward to working with council and the community to deliver on this and Noosa council’s vision to broaden the area’s economic base.”
He said the proposal was compliant with council’s planning scheme and he was confident it would be approved.
“This project will be unique because it will become one of the true villages of Noosa,” he said.
“Works will start within six months of the approval.”
A decision on the development application is anticipated by the end of the year.
Do you have an opinion to share? Submit a Letter to the Editor at Sunshine Coast News via news@sunshinecoastnews.com.au. You must include your name and suburb.
