Gold Coast development: First look at $5m Spit revamp

The Spit is about to undego a $5 million revamp. Now, the first designs of the new-look project have been released with work to start soon despite COVID-19.

THE Spit is set to get a major revamp, with the State Government unveiling the first designs of the $5 million developments.

Expressions of interest launched this afternoon on the first two community projects - Improvements to the Moondarewa Spit foreshore parkland and the Seaway Promenade projects.

The promenade revamp.

State Development Minister Cameron Dick said both projects were on track to begin construction mid-year.

“We know our construction industry is doing it tough with the impacts of the coronavirus pandemic,” he said.

Park upgrades.

“I’m hoping the release of these preliminary design packages, $5 million worth of work, will provide an opportunity and certainty for local firms and their staff.”

The EOI opened through QTenders at 2pm on Tuesday.

It comes four months after tenders were called for the project.

The “Moondarewa Spit” revamp will focus on tree planting, new shower facilities and protecting the area against erosion.

The Seaway Promenade will replace the existing pathway along the rock wall, create emergency access stairs and view platforms where visitors will be able to get panoramic views of the Gold Coast and South Stradbroke Island.

Mr Dick said the State Government was already looking ahead to the complete of this project and what would be next on the agenda.

“We will be looking to announce the successful tenderer/s for these projects in June, then we will move into construction soon after to try and get the work completed by the end of the year,” he said.

“We are currently working with Gold Coast Waterways Authority to confirm the next projects we’ll start after these.

“Job creation is critical right now, so we want to keep progressing work along The Spit to create more employment opportunities for the city.”

The Spit Master Plan Bill was introduced to Parliament late last year.

As part of the Bill, the waterways authority will be charged with delivering the projects set out in the master plan.

Around 1800 jobs during the life of the Master Plan projects.

The Bill took effect from March.

In February the Bulletin revealed that Southport-based firm Place Design Group had been selected to undertake the work for the upgrades on The Spit to create “welcoming spaces with a uniquely Gold Coast identity”.