Heaven on Earth memorial park: Plans for Gold Coast’s first mausoleum and crypt at cemetery

Plans for the Gold Coast’s first mausoleum and crypt have been unveiled as part of a giant private cemetery which will be built in an unexpected location.

PLANS for the Gold Coast’s first mausoleum and crypt have been unveiled as part of a giant private cemetery.

Developer Richard Duce is preparing to lodge plans for Heaven on Earth Memorial Park for a 23ha site on Pimpama’s Old Wharf Road.

If approved, early construction work will begin before Christmas, with the first stage of the project completed by early 2024.

Mr Duce said his plans would address the Coast’s long-running shortage of available burial space.

Developer Richard Duce at the site of the proposed Heaven on Earth cemetery at Pimpama on the Gold Coast. Picture: Supplied

“Our vision for Heaven on Earth is the creation of a remarkable and visually beautiful space with an emphasis on the manicured gardens and architectural spaces,’’ he said.

“It will be peaceful and inclusive sanctuary, a place where families and friends can gather to farewell loved ones and then continue their grieving process in serene remembrance and will cater for generations to come.

“Heaven on Earth is critical to meet the need of the growth of the Gold Coast and its ageing population, with suitable sites for memorial gardens becoming increasingly limited, and we look forward to discussing the proposal with the local community and our stakeholders.”

Mr Duce has lodged a Ministerial Infrastructure Designation (MID) with the state government’s Department of State Development, Infrastructure, Local Government and Planning.

Community consultation and public notification has already begun with local residents.

Mr Duce owns the site, which will border Pimpama’s King’s Christian College campus and will only develop 10ha of the land. The rest will be left untouched.

Location of the proposed Heaven on Earth cemetery at Pimpama on the Gold Coast.

“The reminder of the expansive site, including creek waterways and vegetation, will be retained in its natural state,” he said.

Council officers in 2019 warned of the urgent need to find more space due a 30 per cent spike in burials on the Gold Coast.

The Bulletin was told at the time existing cemeteries at Pimpama, Southport and Mudgeeraba need to be expanded with a bigger hinterland facility likely to force the closure of the neighbouring waste transfer station.

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 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.

Follow @GCS_Pottsy