Gold Coast development: Report reveals ‘significant development opportunities’ for The Spit

TAXPAYER-owned land on The Spit has been named as having ‘significant development opportunities’ as part of the masterplanning process. And there are plans for what could be done with it.

THREE parcels of taxpayer-owned land on The Spit have been identified as “significant development opportunities” which need to be explored as part of the masterplanning process.

A background report on land use planning, prepared by John Gaskell planning consultants, has found almost 69 per cent of The Spit is conservation zone and open space.

Sea World with its resort and water park is the second-largest single user taking up almost 15 per cent of the area.

About five per cent is zoned for community facilities and a similar amount in the centre where the commercial precinct, which includes Sheraton Mirage, Marina Mirage and Palazzo Versace, are located.

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Three parcels of Crown land on The Spit on the Gold Coast

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“Following a desktop review and examination during site visits, three vacant areas of State land that could be considered as opportunities during the preparation of the master plan have been identified,” the report said.

The 6ha parcel of land south of the Sea World car park known as the former ASF site is considered the most valuable.

“It is understood that Sea World hold a permit to occupy for overflow parking over part of this site,” the report noted.

“It (the site) presents a significant opportunity to provide visual and physical access and connection to the Broadwater from SeaWorld Drive.”

In 2015, the Government came under pressure to open up the land for a bidding war between developers rather than “gift” it to ASF after the Gold Coast Bulletin revealed it was worth between $80 million and $100 million.

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Land use on The Spit — State land marked in pink.

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The second available Crown site is south of Mariner’s Cove marina. It is used by water police and the Gold Coast Waterways Authority for temporary storage.

The much smaller 9858sq m site “represents a land bank that may be required for administrative and operational purposes” and the consultants recommended discussions with police and Waterways.

The third site is fenced off, located south of TS Tyalgum Navy Cadets base, and contains the historical Humphreys Boat Shed.

The 3600sq m parcel was zoned for waterfront and marine industry and consultants advised that more discussions were needed with adjoining landholders and the council about its future.

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Vacant Crown land south of the Sea World car park on The Spit

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Consultants noted the area has a three-storey or 15m building height limit to Palazzo Versace and Sea World, which was “significant” in terms of future master plan decisions.

A stakeholder involved in master plan discussions told the Bulletin: “The State Government has been very clear about the community saying it wants no (resort) development north of the Mirage. Any project would have to be south of Mariner’s Cove through to Surfers (Paradise).

“Or the Sheraton (Mirage) is redone or the Sunland site but it has to be under three storeys.”