Construction of the long-awaited, AU$250 million Avani Hotel in Mooloolaba, Queensland is set to start in September in a major boost for tourism to the Sunshine Coast.
Sunshine Coast Council has given the green light to the 13-storey, 4.5-star hotel, with the finalisation of development approvals for the key project that “will help boost the local economy through the creation of jobs and bring tourists to the region”, according to Councillor Joe Natoli.
Located on the corner of Brisbane Road and First Avenue, the property will feature 180 rooms, plus a rooftop bar, pool, restaurant and a conference and wedding venue.
Designed by Cottee Parker Architects and developed by hotel developer and operator, KPAT, the new hotel will cater to solo travellers, couples, groups and families and feature four distinctive restaurants, state-of-the-art meeting and conference facilities, kids’ club, gym and spectacular rooftop pool, bar, restaurant and wedding venue with 180-degree water views.
Natoli, a Sunshine Coast Council Division 4 Councillor, said the project would be transformational for Mooloolaba.
“In June 2020, KPAT was selected as the preferred respondent to develop this prime parcel of land,” Cr Natoli said.
“The decision was made as a result of Council’s agreement in November 2018 to split the Brisbane Road car park into two parcels, one facing Smith Street and now known as ParknGo Mooloolaba Central car park, and the other facing Brisbane Road.
“This new 4.5-star hotel is a key initiative that will help revitalise Mooloolaba and help cater for the growing number of visitors to our region, as well as providing experiences for local residents.”
KPAT Managing Director, Kenneth Wagner, said they were thrilled to be starting construction on the hotel in the coming weeks.
“We have been working towards this project for a number of years and between ourselves, Minor Hotels and Sunshine Coast Council we are looking forward to delivering a project of local significance for the Sunshine Coast,” he said.
“We hope the Avani brand and quality of hotel products will contribute and support an already thriving holiday destination in Mooloolaba, as well as offer the community something they can enjoy and be proud of.”