Commonwealth Games Village targets gold level accessibility standards

All 1,170 apartments in the Parklands redevelopment will be built to Livable Housing Design Gold Level status.

Commonwealth Games Minister Kate Jones made the announcement to coincide with the release of updated designs for the development, which will also house 6,500 athletes and officials as the Games Village for the Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games.

Ms Jones said the Queensland Government and private developer Grocon have together raised the bar for the development and Parklands will now be an outstanding example of a modern, inclusive and accessible community through innovative, universal housing design.

“Delivering liveable housing principles to gold level standard means the apartments will include design and access features to make them suitable for everyone, regardless of age, family needs or mobility,” she said.

“This development is a pivotal project for GC2018 and will provide significant accommodation, retail and commercial opportunities for the Gold Coast Health and Knowledge Precinct and leave a lasting legacy for the Gold Coast.”

City of Gold Coast Mayor Tom Tate applauded the State Government and Grocon for showing leadership on important social issue.

“On the Gold Coast we pride ourselves on having a variety of living options that suits every lifestyle and every resident,” Councillor Tate said.

“Last year Council adopted its own accessible and inclusiveness plan and it’s phenomenal to see many of those principals now being adopted by private developers.”

Carolyn Viney, Chief Executive Office of Grocon said the company has been an advocate for the Livable Housing Design Agreement since 2010, and this was a natural choice for Grocon.

“We are committed to designing and delivering a desirable community that will be liveable now and in the future and that is why we have chosen to make all of the apartments gold level,” she said.

“Gold level certification builds on the seven core liveable design elements and by doing so the apartments will be even more liveable for people.

“Features will include doors and corridors that are slightly wider making it easier to manoeuvre strollers about and general ease of movement within the home and improving access for people with mobility issues.

“Features may also include step-free access in areas and hobless showers reducing trip hazards in the bathrooms.

“Townhouses at Parklands will achieve silver level access standards due to the internal design which has bedrooms on different levels to living areas, but will still achieve the seven core design features of Livable Housing Design.”

The Parklands redevelopment incorporates 1,170 one and two bedroom apartments and 82 townhouses that will accommodate 6,500 athletes and team officials during the Commonwealth Games.

Construction of the Parklands redevelopment is scheduled to commence in late 2015 and be completed by late 2017.

Media contact: Minister Jones’ Office 3719 7530