Dreamworld: Ardent Leisure lodges plans to expand Gold Coast theme park

Hotels, high density residential development, function centres and restaurants will be featured in a massive expansion of the Dreamworld theme park precinct in the Gold Coast’s north.

Hotels, high density residential development, function centres and restaurants will be featured in a massive expansion of the Dreamworld theme park precinct which will become its own mini-town in the Gold Coast’s north.

The park’s owners have lodged plans for a “strategic expansion” of the northern Gold Coast theme park which would transform it into an “all-inclusive landmark”.

Ardent Leisure Group wants the Gold Coast City Council to override the area’s existing development code to allow a dramatic expansion of the park from 55.3ha to 85ha.

Under the plans, the park and the surrounding land owned by Ardent will be split into four zones, with the existing rides and facilities falling into the “major tourism core”.

Aerial pics of Dreamworld. Picture: NIGEL HALLETT

A “gateway precinct will be created on a giant block of land fronting Whitewater Way which will also straddle “Oaky Creek” which will be set up for nature-based tourism.

Among the businesses expected to operate in the Gateway precinct are food and drink outlets independent of the theme park, function facilities, hotels, childcare centres, shops, indoor sport and recreation, major sport and recreation facility, markets, office, short-term accommodation, and theatres.

Oaky Creek is expected to feature boardwalks, nature viewing platforms, camping and guided tours.

Artist impressions of the proposed expansion of Dreamworld by Ardent Leisure

The final precinct, located next to existing commercial developments will be open to tower construction and is described as the “town centre transition precinct”.

According to the Ardent report, it will “facilitate a balanced mix of supporting and complementary centre-zoned and major tourism-oriented land uses including those listed for the Major Tourism Core and Gateway Precinct plus uses that support and reinforce town

centre activities such as bar, educational establishment, health care services, multiple dwelling (high density residential), office, retirement facility and rooming accommodation”.

The plans show up to 13 buildings in this zone, which will have a maximum building height of 54m, or around 16-storeys.

Artist impressions of the proposed expansion of Dreamworld by Ardent Leisure

“(This application seeks to) protect the site’s existing major tourism intent, while also allowing for an expanded set of supporting and complementary land uses to occur in certain locations, where they reinforce the major tourism character of the site and do not undermine the adjoining Coomera Town Centre,” the report reads.

“The proposed development seeks to create four land use precincts across the site, each with a different purpose and which will each cater for particular land uses.

“Future development over the subject site will result in an all-inclusive, landmark tourist destination supported by a range of complementary and ancillary land uses.

Artist impressions of the proposed expansion of Dreamworld by Ardent Leisure

“The proposal will create significant, long-term investment opportunities for the city, strengthen the tourism industry within the northern Gold Coast, and support the vision of a world-class city.”

The report, submitted to council, on Monday, notes Ardent is planning to spend $50m on new rides and improvements to Dreamworld in the next 18 months, something the company expects will lift attendance by 30 per cent.

Artist impressions of the proposed expansion of Dreamworld by Ardent Leisure

The company is pitching the expansion to the council as a major employment driver.

“Each one of Ardent Leisure’s future, and current initiatives will further increase their employment levels and support a positive impact to local small businesses and regional economy,” the report reads.

“The increase in volume of visitors to the area will require additional labour needs to fulfil each project with expectation of a growth of over 20 per cent in employment levels over the coming two-year period alone.”

Originally published as Dreamworld: Ardent Leisure lodges plans to expand Gold Coast theme park