Gold Coast shopping centre Marina Mirage introduces paid parking after council approval

PAID parking and boom gates will be introduced to a prominent Gold Coast shopping centre to crack down on an overcrowding crisis.

A HIGH-END Gold Coast retail centre is about to make shoppers pay for parking to ease the burden of outside guests.

Boom gates will be installed at Marina Mirage on The Spit this year, bringing the luxury shopping centre built by Christopher Skase into line with Australia Fair and Pacific Fair.

PACIFIC FAIR TO OPEN BOOM GATES ON PAID PARKING

Marina Mirage

According to documents filed with Gold Coast City Council, the move was made to relieve pressure on the car park.

“The applicant is aware that the car parking is being used by employees of businesses outside of Marina Mirage, as well as visitors to the broader area, and not necessarily to Marina Mirage,” the application to council read.

“As a result the car park is quite often fully occupied and employees and bona fide visitors to Marina Mirage are unable to park on the premises.

Boom gates will be installed Pic by Richard Gosling

“To discourage use of the car park by people other than employees and visitors, the applicant proposes introducing paid car parking to the site.”

Under plans approved last week by the council, boom gates will be installed at the centre’s entrance on SeaWorld Drive, the basement car park and the entrance to the car park on the first level.

Employees will be allowed to have either free access or be offered a discounted rate during their work hours.

Paid parking will be introduced after concerns overcrowding.

Centre visitors will be able to park for free for up to three hours.

Parking will remain free from 5pm to midnight to cater to patrons of the centre’s restaurants.

Marina Mirage Centre Manager, David Griffiths confirmed planning was underway for the system.

“If approved, the proposed system will provide free parking periods for tenants and legitimate customers who enjoy visiting Marina Mirage’s shopping and waterfront dining options.

“The paid component of the system will ensure that external parties, who currently misuse the carpark, will have to pay for a privilege that is otherwise intended for customers and staff exclusively.”

Centre management is also considering whether to allow workers for some local businesses to park for free or at a reduced rate.

City planning boss Cr Cameron Caldwell said similar measures had been introduced at other major shopping centres across southeast Queensland.

Gold Coast City councillor Cameron Caldwell. (AAP Image/Dan Peled)

“It is a matter for the property owner to balance their car parking supply against the broader community perceptions,” he said.

“The land owner would only use this tool as required to manage supply and demand to their site.”

The application was made late last year but was approved this month by council staffers under delegated authority.