Parkwood wedding venue proposal: Residents’ outrage over suburb becoming wedding capital

A group of residents are fighting to stop their neighbourhood from becoming the city’s ‘wedding suburb’, with plans lodged for another venue. SEE THE PLANS >>>

A GROUP of Gold Coast residents are fighting to stop their suburb becoming the city’s wedding capital, with plans lodged for another venue capable of hosting large nuptials.

The owners of 26B Uplands Dr, Parkwood are seeking Gold Coast City Council approval to build a wedding venue on rural residential zoned land.

Nearby residents have flagged concerns about koala habitat clearing, noise, parking and other disruptions to their quiet street.

But one owner of the nine-acre family property where the venue is proposed, Catherine Maloney, insisted “we are doing everything by the book”.

Resident of 45 years Rick Parry said with at least five other wedding venues in the suburb, there was no need for more.

“There’s ample accommodation for wedding venues within this area,” Mr Parry said.

Another resident added: “Parkwood is going to become the wedding suburb”.

Resident Rick Parry at the entry of the proposed wedding venue. Picture by Richard Gosling

The land owners want to build a reception venue over the block’s existing tennis court to contain seating, a dance floor and amenities.

According to plans, it would be capable of hosting up to 150 weddings each year with a maximum of 120 guests, operating from 9am to 10pm Monday to Sunday.

The venue would use the existing driveway, with a new car park built for guests and suppliers.

The car park is proposed for north of the reception building and would have 23 bays.

But plans stated “due to the limited parking available on-site, all guests and suppliers will be encouraged to carshare”.

About 500 sqm of koala habitat will need to be cleared to make way for the proposed car park.

Resident of 35 years, Marie Fox said the proposal was “not in keeping with the residential area”.

“In the local area plan, it says this is the scenic backdrop for the Gold Coast,” Ms Fox said. “If you start putting in wedding venues, it’s not going to be very scenic anymore is it?”

Locals are fighting to stop a proposed wedding venue in Parkwood.

Mr Parry said the council’s own description of rural residential zoned land was about “supporting the rural lifestyle” and it could be used for “short-term accommodation, farm stays, but not party houses”.

“There’s not much difference between a wedding venue and a party house, noise wise,” he said.

Rick Parry. Picture by Richard Gosling

Ms Maloney said the plans met the council’s standards and criteria, including in relation to koala habitat.

“The town planners who are working on it for us are meeting all of those standards and criteria,” she said. “It’s up high on a hill, it has a beautiful view of the Gold Coast and it is a grand family home.

“It will make a beautiful wedding venue.”

Division 7 Councillor Ryan Bayldon-Lumsden said a formal consultation process had been done on the proposal.

“As residents have contacted me, I have heard them out and listened to their thoughts on the application,” he said.

Submissions for the application have closed, with more than 30 received.

The council’s planning committee will review the project in early 2022.

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