Gold Coast Spit Masterplan: What’s planned for Coast’s own Central Park

Get your first look at how the Gold Coast Spit will look under a radical revamp announced by the State Government this morning. There’s light rail stations, selfie towers, new resorts and superyacht berths.

LIGHT rail trams and ferries will travel up The Spit to relieve traffic congestion as part of a multi-million revamp.

Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk this morning revealed the blueprint for the revamp, which will include a superyacht marina, an “iconic” selfie tower, underwater sculpture garden dive site, new low-rise tourist resort accommodation and more than 130 hectares of conservation and open space over seven precincts.

She said the 201 hectare site was set to become the world’s largest Ocean Park and a facility eight times the size of South Bank in Brisbane.

“Our plans will make this not just a jewel of the Gold Coast but for the entire state,” she said.

The plans which will now go to public consultation, include 140 hectares of preserved open space and areas for commercial development.

The Spit will be split into seven separate precincts and maintain all of the current features such as the kiosk, marine rescue, the fisherman’s co-op and the boat ramp.

Minister for State Development, Manufacturing, Infrastructure and Planning Cameron Dick said the compromise of the Gold Coast Spit Master Plan means all parties will have a place in the water. “Everybody who wants to stay will stay,” Minister Dick told the Bulletin.

Carter’s Basin.

Mayor Tom Tate this morning welcomed the proposal.

“I’m pleased a comprehensive master plan for this strategic piece of land within our city is finally being delivered,” he said.

“I’m particularly impressed that the indigenous community is being heard and recognised in the plan.

“Seeing a future light rail spur as part of the mix underscores what we have always known — that light rail is vital in our city’s broader transport spine.

“It’s important the ferry transport route becomes a reality as that adds a further dimension to our transport network, providing a great experience for locals and visitors enjoying that area.

“ I look forward to this master plan being signed off mid 2019 so the first stages can commence.”

Gecko’s Lois Levy said the master plan isn’t without compromises.

“At this stage we are very happy with it but we will not be supportive of any moves towards a cruise ship terminal,” She said.

Ms Levy also hopes to see an increased presence of rangers on Curlew island to ensure migratory nesting birds are protected.

A flythrough video released by the State Government reveals how the Spit will change under the masterplan, which was created after 18 months of consultation with locals.

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How Mariner’s Cove will be revamped

New features include:

* A light rail link which travels as far north as Sea World. At least two new stations are planned for the Spit along Sea World Drive.

* A potential cruise ship terminal at Philip Park

* A Broadwater boardwalk.

* A Centre for Coastal resilience.

The path of the ferries in and around the Broadwater.

* New Seaway promenade

* Ferry station on a new Marine Stadium jetty and boardwalk.

* Pavilion buildings at the Seaway tower.

Doug Jennings Park

* A new resort immediately south of Sea World.

* A “village centre north’ on land formerly earmarked for the shelved ASF development with superyacht berths and a landscaped arbour.

* An Aboriginal cultural centre and event space.

The revamped entrance to The Spit.

* A ferry stop at Carters Basin

* Market and retail pavilions for fresh produce and dining.

One of the new resorts.

* Mariner’s Cove would be replaced by ‘village centre south’ — a community hub with overwater dining and boardwalks.

* A new low-scale resort immediately south of Sheraton Mirage.

A future light rail station.

* A widened and revamped Sea World Drive.

* A giant gateway statement at the lower end of The Spit.