Gold Coast development: Hillsong plans mega church in Gold Coast’s west at Highland Park

A prominent charismatic evangelical Christian organisation wants to build a mega church at a Gold Coast shopping centre. SEE THE PLANS.

A PROMINENT charismatic evangelical Christian organisation which boasts Justin Bieber as a member wants to build a mega church at a Gold Coast shopping centre.

Hillsong has unveiled plans for a place of worship at Highland Park for more than 700 people, making it one of the city’s largest churches.

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The old Masters building at Highland Park, Nerang which is set to be redeveloped as a new megachuch for Hillsong. Picture Glenn Hampson

It is earmarked for a 3802sq m space inside Highland Park’s former Masters hardware building on Hinkler Drive.

Under plans filed with the Gold Coast Council, the building’s interior would be dramatically altered to create a 700-seat auditorium, a mezzanine level, meeting rooms, Sunday school teaching centres and administrative offices.

Artist impressions of a proposed Hillsong church.

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Hillsong declined to comment on the application yesterday.

Area councillor Peter Young said the church would offer “a good use” of the site.

“It is not likely to impact on neighbouring residents or businesses,” he said.

“I am pleased the owner will have full tenancy.”

The site of the new church if approved by council.

Hillsong currently holds services at the Gold Coast Turf Club at Bundall as well as locations in Burleigh Heads and Coomera.

Hillsong has requested the council allow the church to operate from 7am to 11pm Monday to Sunday. The times would allow for social and youth groups to meet at the building.

Worship services will primarily occur on Sundays.

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How the building’s facade will be altered, according to plans filed with council.

The developer is also hoping for the church to be used as a function centre for school groups and conferences.

According to the plans, the Masters building will be subdivided, with the church and a gym to join an existing distribution business on the 34,120sq m site.

It comes on the back of data released this year which showed there had been a significant increase in the number of Gold Coasters joining Pentecostal churches.