Robina City Parkland: Developer hands over highly valuable land to create larger park

A multimillion-dollar site once earmarked for a giant eco village is instead set to be transformed into the Gold Coast’s biggest community park in a surprise turn of events.

A MULTI-million dollar site once earmarked for a giant eco village will be handed over to the Gold Coast City Council by its developer in one of the biggest deals of its kind in decades.

Robina Group will transfer control of a 5.5ha site of Cheltenham Drive to the council which will use the site to create the Gold Coast’s answer to New York’s Central Park.

Early works have already begun on the parklands next to Cbus Super Stadium, which will now stretch to 22.5ha.

Artist impression of Robina City Parklands

City leaders are now devising possible features and attractions which could be created using the extra land.

Robina councillor Hermann Vorster said negotiations had been ongoing with the developer for more than a year.

“What we have done here is rescue 5.5ha of prime land from future development,” he said.

“This unprecedented result means thousands upon thousands of locals will now have more open space.

COUNCIL GOES TO TENDER ON PARKLANDS

Cr Hermann Vorster. Picture: Tim Marsden

“This will protect the original promise of Robina which was planned and marketed to be the Gold Coast’s living paradise.”

Cr Vorster said new cycling paths, cafes, sports fields and playgrounds were on the cards.

The land, which adjoins Robina Group’s $170 million Vue Terrace Homes, was the last available piece of developable land within the stadium precinct.

Robina Group has held the land in its portfolio for 40 years and was part of the original masterplan pitched by late developers Robin Loh and Arthur Earle in the early 1980s.

Aerial of the future site of the Robina City Parklands. Picture: Mike Batterham

Mayor Tom Tate said the land handover was a “fantastic outcome” for Gold Coast residents. for the residents of our city.

“Securing open space for everyone to enjoy remains a priority for this council and it is vital we protect our unique lifestyle as the city grows,” he said.

Gold Coast Mayor Tom Tate. Picture: Glenn Hampson.

“It is always value for money acquiring open space for the city at no cost to rate payers.”

Robina Group is winding down its development in the area, with the final two stages of the Vue project expected to be completed in March and June.

The first stage of the project is already underway.

Robina Group chief executive Hylton Slater said being able to gift additional land to

further enhance the scope and scale of the parklands was important to Robina

Group’s ongoing legacy as founders and creators.

A range of community features will be included in the parkland.

“The Robina City Parklands project is a magnificent Gold Coast City Council initiative

and one that we are proud to be able to contribute to as part of our overall

masterplan vision for Robina,” Mr Slater said.

“Robina City Parklands will become a signature Gold Coast recreational hub – our

very own Central Park – adding immensely to the lifestyle and investment value of

the entire Robina and Gold Coast community.”