Skyridge: First look at new features of $1.5bn new Worongary mini-city

New community infrastructure has been unveiled for a $1.5bn mini city being built on the Gold Coast which will become home to 10,000 people once completed. SEE THE PLANS

Plans have been unveiled for a giant new community centre which will be built inside the $1.5bn SkyRidge development.

The Gold Coast City Council has lodged plans for the 1000 sqm complex, which will be built in the north of the Worongary housing development on Welcome Ave.

According to planning documents, the single-story complex will service residents in Highland Park and Worongary and will feature a multipurpose hall which can be used for performances, meetings or indoor sports, with the ability to be divided into two rooms.

Artist impression of plans for a new Gold Coast City Council community centre which will be built at Worongary as part of the Skyridge development. Picture: Supplied

A separate activity room, a meeting room, cafe, kitchen and storage rooms will all feature inside the complex, along with a 300 sqm outdoor deck.

Once open, it will become the city’s 40th council-run venue.

The 7638 sqm land for the project has already been cleared by developers Perron Group and Ross Atkins as part of the first stage of the works.

However, area councillor Glenn Tozer said construction of the building was still years away.

“The long-term planning for SkyRidge includes a community centre that will not just benefit new buyers but existing homeowners and residents in the nearby area around Worongary State School and while his proposed community centre is only planned for delivery later in the decade when more people have moved in, we wanted the planning and preparation done right in case we could submit the project for a state or federal government grant to accelerate delivery,” he said.

Cr Glenn Tozer. Picture: Glenn Campbell

“I am confident these excellent designs will attract the attention of other levels of government and, like our renovated community centre in Mudgeeraba and new community centre in Lower Beechmont, we can deliver a great new community space for Worongary residents sooner than anyone expected.

“Council has indeed submitted a development application to see this community centre come to life, and the SkyRidge developer has cooperatively lodged an application to separate the site into two relevant lots, the other of which may house a new childcare centre.”

Mr Tozer said pathways would be built both within and outside the SkyRidge precinct to allow nearby residents to walk to and from the centre.

Artist impression of plans for a new Gold Coast City Council community centre which will be built at Worongary as part of the Skyridge development. Picture: Supplied

Construction of SkyRidge began in 2020 and more than $172m worth of homes have already sold in the precinct.

A further 2000 will be released to the market over the next decade.

Once completed by 2036, SkyRidge will have to up to 3500 dwellings and be home to more than 10,000 people.

Its size will rival Varsity Lakes, or the equivalent of Chevron Island, Bundall, and part of Surfers Paradise combined.

It is expected to inject $3.2bn into the economy in the next 15 years.

It will also include the estate’s first two new parks, including the ridge top Hero Park with views of the city’s skyline and ocean, a 500-person amphitheatre and picnic lawns.

The release of its first stage in October 2021 produced a frenzy of buyers, with the Bulletin revealing at the time that more than 15,000 people had registered to secure one of 3500 houses in the subdivision.

The demand was so high the developers were forced to stage the ballot to pick the winners.

FIRST LOOK AT NEW PUBLIC PARK

Skyridge's Gumnut Park has been completed. Picture: Supplied

The first new public park of the multi-billion dollar SkyRidge development has been completed.

The one hectare space will be known as Gumnut Park and will be the first of several parks planned for the precinct.

SkyRidge project director Chris Alston said the park would feature two giant hand-carved gumnuts as part of its play equipment.

“We are building a healthy new community around the lifestyle that has made the Gold Coast one of Australia’s most desirable places to live,” Mr Alston said.

Skyridge's Gumnut Park has been completed. Picture: Supplied

“Once finished SkyRidge will include over 75 hectares of public open space equipped with fitness stations, high quality play equipment, BBQ and picnic areas and adventure and nature play spaces.

“Gumnut Park is the first and includes picnic shelters, a kick and throw oval, drinking fountains, bike racks, interactive exercise equipment and is conveniently serviced by roadside visitor parking.”

Work will begin before Christmas on a two hectare park at the heart of the development which will have views across to the city skyline.

It is expected to open in 2025.