The Sunshine Coast town of Caloundra has welcomed the revamp of Motel Caloundra, with the property aiming to become the region’s first net-zero energy hotel.
Reopening on Friday September 29, the nine-room centrally located motel is opposite The Events Centre and the site of the new Sunshine Coast Regional Gallery, which received approval last month.
Hotel developers and designers Andrew and Lucy Pink, in partnership with Maeva Hospitality’s Scott Armstrong, are behind the transformation project.
The pair have worked on two highly successful restorations over the past three years – the conversion of Riverpark Maroochy Motel into the Loea Boutique Hotel, and a modernisation of the heritage Maleny Lodge in the Sunshine Coast Hinterland.
At Motel Caloundra, rooms and bathrooms were stripped back to concrete and completely redesigned; double-glazed windows were installed for soundproofing and insulation; and deluxe interiors including king beds and smart TVs were added.
A family room and apartment were added during the project, both featuring two bedrooms, living areas, private balconies and car spaces, with the apartment also including a fully equipped kitchen.
The installation of 47 rooftop solar panels will produce 19.50kw of power during the day, and batteries which will produce a further 23kw of power during the evening, allowing the hotel to mostly operate without external energy sources.
“Scott and I have gone out of our way to make the hotel a model of sustainability, given the Sunshine Coast’s commitment to sustainability and its UNESCO biosphere status,” said Andrew Pink.
Visit Sunshine Coast CEO, Matt Stoeckel, welcomed the launch of the revamped motel and praised its investment in energy sustainability technology.
“Caloundra is fortunate to have some of the Sunshine Coast’s most attractive beaches as well as having the Glass House Mountains nearby, and this commitment to sustainability highlights our tourism operators’ support for our natural environment,” said Stoeckel.
“Caloundra plays a vital role in our tourism economy, not just as an enviable holiday playground, but also as a premium destination for major events, conferences, art and culture, and sport, and the re-launch of Motel Caloundra will contribute significantly to the town’s future tourism development.”