Mariner’s Cove development put on hold while Gold Coast council develops Spit master plan

THE developers behind the controversial Mariner’s Cove twin towers proposal have temporarily removed their applications to build the high rises.

Sunland Group's The Mariner project, The Spit, Gold Coast. Designed by world-renowned architect Zaha Hadid.

THE developers behind the controversial Mariner’s Cove twin towers proposal have temporarily removed their applications to build the high rises.

Sunland Group today announced they would remove the application in order for a master plan for The Spit to be determined.

Gold Coast council earlier this month decided to delay their decision about the development for 12 months in order to work with the state government to devise a master plan.

Council is also expected to make changes to the City Plan in that time.

Sunland chairman Soheil Abedian said a master plan for The Spit was in the best interest of the community.

“We feel its important the master planning process is unencumbered, without any perceived time pressures from existing development applications,” he said.

“For this reason we are withdrawing our application for The Mariner until such time a master plan precinct can be agreed on.”

Mr Abedian said the project was an “unprecedented opportunity” for the Gold Coast.

“It is our ardent hope the state government and council, upon completion of the master plan, allow projects such as The Mariner to have a place for the future of our city,” he said.

The proposed towers, which were to stretch 44 storeys, have faced strong objects from community groups.

More than 100 people and protesters attended the council meeting to decide the fate of the project earlier this month.

City Planning Committee chairman Cameron Caldwell said the withdrawal of the application gave council the chance to consider a master plan without the development looming.

But council have still not been informed by the state government about future plans for the casino resort proposed for The Spit.

“It will be disappointing if the state government doesn’t take the opportunity to consult on the master plan,” he said.

Cr Caldwell said the master plan or upcoming City Plan amendments could consider changing the height limit at Mariner’s Cover from three storeys to higher.

“City plan amendments can change the height limit anywhere in the city,” he said.

Council will now start working to devise a master plan.

Cr Caldwell said any amendments to the City Plan would be put to public consultation.