Gold Coast development: Work begins on giant new $1.5B suburb as true size finally revealed
As work begins on the Gold Coast’s giant new $1.5 billion suburb, new maps reveal the sheer size of the project, which is bigger than Varsity Lakes, as well as Bundall, Chevron Island and part of Surfers Paradise combined. SEE THE MAPS
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CONSTRUCTION has begun on the Gold Coast’s new $1.5 billion suburb, with new mapping revealing the sheer size and scope of the project.
Builders have arrived at the Worongary site which will become home to Skyridge, previously known as Pacific View Estate, with groundbreaking expected to occur next week.
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Developer Perron Group is expected to spend more than $150 million on the initial stages of work by 2023, with construction expected to continue through 2036.
Perron Group general manager Lyle Kenny said the project was a “major vote of confidence” in the Gold Coast.
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“We are thrilled that this eagerly anticipated project is finally breaking ground and expect it
to be one of the last true masterplanned communities on the central Gold Coast,” he said.
“There is presently a short supply of suitably zoned land within the city to develop a community of this size and scope.
The project, which will be home to 10,000 people and built over a 15-year period is expected to inject more than $3.2 billion into the economy.
The initial six stages will include more than 320 of the 3500 homes planned for the site and will also include 5ha of land for its future education precinct.
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New overlay maps released by Perron Group reveal Skyridge’s size will rival that of Varsity Lakes, or the equivalent of Chevron Island, Bundall, and part of Surfers Paradise combined.
Mayor Tom Tate launched the project on Thursday and described it as “fantastic”.
“It means Gold Coasters can live their dream and own their own home,” he said.
The project was first filed with the Gold Coast City Council in late 2010, four years after the 342ha site between Highland Park and Worongary was bought by the developer.
It was called in by the State Government in 2015, with the first development application filed with council last year.
Ultimately the project will feature a retail village, school, childcare centre, convenience retail and commercial spaces, play areas and public art displays.
Area councillor Glenn Tozer said the project struck the right balance between development and maintaining the Hinterland’s unique culture.
“It’s going to be really exciting, it will be great for local tradespeople, but most importantly the community they have put together is going to be a great place to live,” he said.
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