Creating a New CBD with First A-Grade Commercial Space – 50 First Avenue
At the centre of a 20-year vision to create a world-class city from the ground up, 50 First Avenue stands as the Maroochydore’s first A-grade commercial office building – a catalyst for the transformation of Maroochydore into a true Central Business District (CBD).
Designed by COX for Walker Corporation in partnership with Sunshine Coast Council and SunCentral, the building marks a pivotal step in the Coast’s evolution. Once a golf course, the 53-hectare Maroochydore City Centre is now emerging as a vibrant urban precinct – a place to work, learn and connect in a way not previously possible in the region.
Responding to one of the lowest office vacancy rates in the country and strong demand for ‘A-grade’ commercial spaces, 50 First Avenue will attract new industries, boost local employment and represents both confidence in the region’s economic future.
COX Director, Paul Focic
50 First Avenue sends an important signal that the Sunshine Coast is open for business. Its premium offer and CBD level quality will attract high performing organisations paving the way for future growth in the region
For COX, the architectural vision was to create a building of substance and sophistication – one that could stand alongside capital city peers while remaining distinctly of the Sunshine Coast. The design balances bold simplicity with warmth and lightness, its bronze palette and curved forms reflecting the coastal tones and rhythms that define the region.
Soaring 15 levels above the city, the tower’s composition is elegantly restrained. A sculpted podium anchors the building within the streetscape, concealing car parking behind finely detailed screening and animated by integrated public artworks. Above, the tower rises with soft edges and articulated glazing, creating a distinctive silhouette on the skyline. Together, these elements set a new architectural benchmark for the Coast and sets the tone for the CBD to come.
Inside, expansive floorplates of more than 1,000 square metres are designed for flexibility and collaboration. A triple-height entry and generous lobby signal a sense of arrival, while end-of-trip facilities, podium parking and a rooftop sky garden offering panoramic views provide the amenity expected of a contemporary workplace. Sustainability is embedded throughout, with energy-efficient systems, regenerative lifts, rainwater harvesting and a high-performance façade supporting targeted 5-Star NABERS Energy and Green Star ratings.
Due for completion at the end of the year, 50 First Avenue is expected to accommodate more than 800 workers – including anchor tenant Unitywater – and become the most sustainable commercial building on the Sunshine Coast. It supports the kind of sustainable urban growth that positions the region as a national leader in innovation, lifestyle and liveability.
“We set out to create a world-class, highly connected CBD with workplaces that will attract leading businesses to Maroochydore city centre, and there is no doubt 50 First Avenue delivers the design, amenity and sustainability credentials to support productivity, innovation and talent retention right here on the Coast,” said Walker Corporation managing director and CEO David Gallant.
