Suppose the Sunshine Coast needed a glittering new calling card to woo both leisure seekers and corporate heavyweights. In that case, it’s about to get one — and it comes with the IHG hallmark and a dash of Felix Capital’s unflinching ambition.
This week, IHG Hotels & Resorts and Felix Capital wrapped up their updated plans for a landmark development on Ocean Street in the heart of Maroochydore — the forthcoming Crowne Plaza Maroochydore. Think luxury, business, coastal glamour, and then multiply by about ten.
From voco to vision: a bold rethink
Originally floated as a vovo-branded property, the project has undergone a strategic metamorphosis. The thinking? The Sunshine Coast doesn’t just need another pretty place to sleep; it requires a heavyweight conference and events hub that can hold its own on the national stage.
The new Crowne Plaza blueprint is nothing short of ambitious: 180 guest rooms, more than 770 square metres of flexible meeting and event space (including a 600sqm ballroom grand enough to impress even the most jaded conference veteran), plus a 30-metre pool and spa, a wellness retreat, gym, sauna, and secure two-level basement parking.
Food and drink? Naturally, there’ll be options to make any gastronome smile: a 210-seat all-day restaurant, a 160-seat signature dining venue, a poolside bar and lounge, and a lobby bar where deals can be signed over cocktails or coffee.
A conference and events powerhouse
Matt Tripolone, Managing Director for IHG Hotels & Resorts in Australasia & Pacific, doesn’t mince words when describing the pivot.
“We saw an opportunity to go beyond the original plan. The Sunshine Coast is booming, and business events are a huge part of its growth story. Crowne Plaza Maroochydore will put conferences and events at the heart of its offering, while delivering a guest experience that’s exceptional from check-in to farewell.”
And exceptional is the operative word. This hotel isn’t just for the business crowd — weddings, family reunions, and glittering galas are all part of the agenda.
Felix Capital’s bigger, bolder play
Felix Capital’s Michael Maroun says the rethink was partly about timing and space.
“The response to our original concept was incredibly positive. But when we secured extra land, it was clear we could aim higher. Crowne Plaza gives us the platform to create a genuine destination — one that meets the region’s conference needs, attracts new events, and elevates the visitor experience year-round.”
Given that local and state government estimates suggest the Sunshine Coast will need 2,400 more hotel rooms (about ten new hotels) by 2032 to sustain its economic trajectory, the project is not just ambitious — it’s necessary.
Boosting the region’s year-round appeal
Beyond the obvious benefits to business tourism, the Ocean Street precinct promises to unlock opportunities for festivals, exhibitions, and destination events that keep the visitor economy humming outside the traditional holiday peaks. That’s music to the ears of local operators who have long argued for infrastructure that extends the Sunshine Coast’s seasonality.
Construction timeline and partnerships
Construction on Crowne Plaza Maroochydore is expected to begin in early 2026, with a grand opening pencilled in for 2028. It’s the second high-profile partnership between IHG and Felix Capital, following their 2024 deal for Holiday Inn & Suites Caloundra, due to welcome guests in 2030.
The two groups’ alignment seems to rest on a shared belief: that regional Australia deserves hospitality assets with the pulling power of big-city icons.
Why this matters
For the Sunshine Coast, this is more than a shiny new building. It’s a strategic asset, a magnet for domestic and international visitors, and a signal that the region is ready to compete for major events previously confined to capital cities.
When the ribbon is cut in 2028, Crowne Plaza Maroochydore won’t just be a hotel. It will be a statement that the Sunshine Coast is done being a side note and is stepping confidently into the main act.
By Bridget Gomez
