Heaven on Earth: Giant Australia-first cemetery and memorial garden approved by state government

Pearly Gates, a chapel, mausoleums and more will grace a giant new cemetery which has been given the green light for the Gold Coast. SEE THE PLANS

Pearly Gates, a chapel, mausoleums and more will grace a giant new cemetery which has been given the green light for the Gold Coast’s north.

The state government last week gave the Heaven on Earth memorial park development approval for a 23-hectare site on Old Wharf Road in Pimpama.

Founder Richard Duce said the park, which will have pearly gates at its entrance, will be equipped with a chapel for services, an events centre, giant angel statue, a crematorium, seven mausoleums and three columbariums housing funeral urns holding cremated remains.

The “pearly gates” of the memorial park. Pictured: Supplied

It will have capacity for 40,000 burials and 40,000 urns.

“Since 2012, we have been devoted to creating the most beautiful memorial park in Australia – a place that stands as a tribute to life, not just a response to loss,” Mr Duce said.

“It has been designed to be the nicest place to spend eternity and Heaven on Earth offers a serene and dignified final resting place.

“It will be more than a memorial park, it will be a sanctuary of remembrance, reflection, and peace.

“We will built this place because someone lived, not because someone died and every detail has been designed to honour lives lived, ensuring that all who visit feel a deep sense of connection, love, and serenity.”

Richard Duce at the site of a new cemetery, Heaven on Earth memorial park at Pimpama which has been approved. Picture Glenn Hampson

According to the plans submitted to the state government, Heaven on Earth would annually have around 12,000 cremations, 1200 burials and 130 internments in its mausoleum during its first decade.

The first stage of construction is expected to take around a year to complete.

News of the approval comes amid a dramatic push to increase the city’s capacity for cemeteries.

Councillors were warned in 2019 they faced an urgent need to find more space after a 30 per cent spike in burials.

The proposed chapel Pictured: Supplied

In 2023 they approved the city’s Cemeteries Generations Plan, which laid out a strategy of how to best deal with the issue. New plots have been mapped at several existing city cemeteries including Mudgeeraba, Pimpama, Southport and Coomera.

A council spokeswoman said numerous steps had been taken to take pressure off the cemeteries.

“To meet the needs of the city’s growing multicultural population, the council has developed inclusive burial options that cater to various cultural and faith traditions, with partnerships with religious groups and community stakeholders playing a key role in this approach,” she said.

A map of the site Pictured: Supplied

“Like many providers in this industry, cemetery space, attracting and retaining staff to the industry, and changing demands are challenges so council is forward planning cemetery expansions, including the repurposing of roads and car parks, as part of the solution to ensure adequate capacity for the future.

“Innovative models are also being explored for the future to integrate burial spaces with green, community-friendly areas.

“These spaces could support sustainability, physical activity, and mental health while reflecting modern and inclusive practices.”

The memorial would take the shape of angel wings Pictured: Supplied

Several proposals have been made in recent years to address the issue but none have gained political support.

Among the most unusual was a proposal for high-rise cemeteries similar to those in Israel’s Tel Aviv, Taiwan and India.

Mayor Tom Tate ruled out ever approving a vertical cemetery, though admitted council would investigate other options.

He also indicated support for an underwater burial site similar to one built off of the Florida coastline in the US.

Businessman Tony Longhurst also offered to hand over more than 200ha of land to the council at Norwell to create an eco-friendly burial space where people’s remains would be buried under trees.