Library+Caloundratakesouttophonouratthe2026MasterBuildersawards

A huge congratulations to the Rob Morrison team in Maroochydore, who delivered one of the most complex and rewarding refurbishments on the Coast in recent years. Working in partnership with Sunshine Coast Council, the team repurposed the three-storey Caloundra Council Chamber, originally built in the 1990s, into a vibrant new community hub.

The building now houses the modern Caloundra public library on the ground and first floors, with council offices on the second level. It brings library services, meeting and venue spaces, an exhibition space, creative and digital studios, and a customer service centre together under one roof.

The refurbishment was no simple fit-out. The original structure had significant deflection in its concrete slabs, with movement of up to around 80mm. Despite the challenges, the team delivered a future-ready facility that achieved a 6 Star Green Star rating across its 5,647m² floor area.

Sustainability sat at the heart of the build. By repurposing the existing structure rather than demolishing it, the project retained valuable embodied carbon. More than 90 per cent of demolition materials were recycled or repurposed during construction.

With both Hutchies and the client team based full-time onsite, open and honest communication ran through the whole build. That collaborative approach kept issues moving and stakeholders engaged from start to finish.

Since opening in September 2025, Library+ Caloundra has become a cornerstone of the region's civic life, welcoming the community into a space built for learning, connection and everyday use for generations to come.

Congratulations again to Rob and the whole Maroochydore team on a well-deserved win.