Stay, Play and Shop....lets make Caloundra a major holiday and shopping destination

Dear friends, Division 2 residents, business and property owners, this evening I thought that I would write a short blog that I hope raises your awareness of the passion that I have for Caloundra.

Last night I wrote about my disappointment with the Caloundra Centre Master Plan and how it had failed to deliver on its most critical elements......employment, prosperity, commercial and retail investment.

What really disappointing last week, when I walked the Caloundra CBD was to observe so many of our prime retail spaces vacant and for many, these business houses have been vacant for years, not months....why is this, when the Master Plan promises so much and delivers so little?

Why has the Master Plan failed so miserably to attract investment and establish our City as having that "point of difference" critical for attracting international brands and visitors to our City?

I have a vision and I hope others will too after reading my thoughts this evening....

For far too long, residents of the Sunshine Coast and even those that live a little bit further north, have regularly driven South past the Caloundra turn off, on their way down the Bruce Highway. Some travel as far as Eagle Farm and the Brisbane Airport Precinct to DFO, whilst others drive further South to Harbour Town. Why is this? I think I know why.

People want simple pleasures and fun from life, and factory direct shopping combined with the chance to sample international brands reaches all those important parts of the brain that stimulate happiness and well being. What people also enjoy is the chance to spend money, have a day out with friends and be entertained by what international brands have to offer.

Now imagine this....Calvin Klein, Armani, Guess, Adidas, Nike, Converse, Hugo Boss..to name a few, trading in the heart of Caloundra, making our City a shopping destination hub, a City with a point of difference. A City that provides people with the opportunity to sample upmarket labels at discount prices at the Sunshine Coasts premiere location.

This recipe, together with our beautiful Esplanade, our pristine beaches, coffee shops and restaurants will not only be the catalyst for change it will also be the formula that will not just give people a reason to visit Caloundra , it will also provide a purpose, a purpose to stay, eat, play and shop.

For those of you that have children who want to study, live and work on the Sunshine Coast, just imagine what employment opportunities these retail outlets will bring for your children!

Why do I believe this vision will succeed where others have failed? This vision will give our City and our region national recognition, a competitive edge in a diminishing retail and employment market, it will also create a vibrant and entertaining environment, and last but not least it will put Caloundra on the map as as a major holiday and shopping destination.

This vision coupled with the new 2nd runway at the Sunshine Coast Airport can only assist in giving Caloundra the edge to compete with not just major shopping centres around the region but just as importantly making our city a more popular tourist destination than Noosa or Mooloolaba.

I would be happy to receive your feedback or comments.

I may be contacted on email, sscriggins@gmail.com or by telephoning 0435 560 665.