All systems go on the Gold Coast
Published Monday, 28 September, 2015 at 11:10 AM
Treasurer, Minister for Employment and Industrial Relations and Minister for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Partnerships
The Honourable Curtis Pitt
Acting Premier Curtis Pitt visited the Gold Coast today to discuss some of the city’s major development proposals.
He said the sense of anticipation and opportunity ahead of the Commonwealth Games was catching.
“I was immensely impressed by Sunland Group’s $600 million proposed development of Mariner’s Cove which would create more than 1,600 construction jobs and 1,000 full-time jobs,” Mr Pitt said.
“It's an important piece of tourism infrastructure and a great addition ahead of the Games.
“While visiting Main Beach I was also pleased to announce that ASF Consortium has appointed local architecture firm, Cox Rayner, to lead an international design team in the development of the Gold Coast Integrated Resort masterplan.
“The proposed resort development and casino will generate thousands of new jobs during construction and thousands more long term jobs and training opportunities once operations started."
The appointment follows a recent announcement by Queensland State Government to continue the integrated resort process with ASF Consortium on a five-hectare site between Sea World and the Fisherman’s Cooperative at Main Beach.
ASF Local Project Director, Tim Poole, said the engagement of Cox Rayner is an assurance to the local community that the unique values and culture of the Gold Coast will be central in the creation of an internationally recognised destination.
“Community feedback received through two stages of consultation consistently reflects local sentiment towards creating an environment that truly represents the Gold Coast and its unique lifestyle,” he said.
“What Cox Rayner will deliver is design and thought leadership based upon a deep understanding of the Gold Coast; creating a place that responds to the healthy lifestyle, outdoor living and the sense of fun that Gold Coast is known for.“
Cox Rayner is the architecture firm behind some of Gold Coast’s best-known buildings and places, including Gold Coast Aquatic Centre, Ferry Road Markets, Griffith University Health Centre and Sanctuary Cove Building 56.
The Gold Coast Integrated Resort will include world-class entertainment, gaming, performing and visual arts, retail, hotel, unique leisure, cultural, residential and outdoor pursuits.
Cox Raynor is the first of several engagements required to support a detailed proposal to the State Government, and Mr Poole said local companies and expertise would be engaged wherever possible.
The Gold Coast Integrated Resort masterplan will form part of the ASF Consortium’s response to the Queensland Government’s Request For Detailed Proposal scheduled for lodgment in early 2016.
Mr Pitt said the Palaszcuk Government had been able to deliver on its election commitment to protect Wavebreak Island and generate economic development and jobs on the Gold Coast.
The current site is part of the original land parcel released for the development of an integrated resort development in 2013.
Acting Premier’s Media Contact: 0419 945 546
ASF Media Contact: 0408 807 870
Sunland Media Contact: 0403 461 212