Gold Coast Turf Club: $1bn lifestyle precinct Sunshine development’s big step forward

A $1bn Gold Coast Turf Club transformation plan for a “world-class” residential and retail entertainment precinct is entering a new phase. FIND OUT WHAT’S HAPPENING AND WHEN

A $1 billion Gold Coast Turf Club transformation plan for a “world-class” residential and retail entertainment precinct will burst out of the gates after more than a year of delays.

Developer Aquis and club bosses have secured final approvals needed before launching the Sunshine Lifestyle Precinct and breaking ground on the development. The ambitious project will have more than 557 units across three towers reaching 21, 16 and 18 storeys.

Turf Club CEO Steve Lines said outstanding matters had been “resolved” and some “minor” refinements would be needed before work could begin.

“This is a fantastic outcome for the Gold Coast,” he said.

Artist impression of the Sunlight Lifestyle Precinct development at the Gold Coast Turf Club. Picture: Supplied

“We’ve taken a careful, considered approach from day one, and the outcome reflects that.

“This has never been about moving fast, it’s about doing it properly, and with the community beside us (and) to have that support, and the backing of Gold Coast City Council and the State Government, gives us the confidence to now take the next step.

“We’re proud to have resolved matters in a way that satisfies our local stakeholders and allows us to move forward with certainty.

“The support from the community has been excellent, everyone’s aligned, the wheels are now turning, and we are looking forward to delivering a truly world-class community asset that will generate hundreds of millions of dollars for the Gold Coast.”

Gold Coast Turf Club boss Steve Lines and John Fung of Aquis celebrating the move to push forward with the Sunlight Lifestyle Precinct at Bundall, Picture: Supplied

Turf club bosses have been working to redevelop and expand the precinct for more than three decades. Several previous proposals to turn it into Australia’s answer to Hong Kong’s Happy Valley failed to get the green light.

The current project, now known as the Sunshine Lifestyle Precinct, was unveiled in May 2023 and initially expected to cost $370m.

Towers will form part of the development.

Among its features will be “market-style” food and retail offerings, “sky gardens” and wellness facilities.

John Fung, the son of Aquis founder Tony Fung, will lead the project but could not provide a timeline of when work would begin.

“We’re incredibly proud to be part of such a transformative vision,” he said.

“Sunlight will be more than a precinct; it’s a chance to create a lasting destination that captures the spirit of the Gold Coast (and) our team is energised and working closely with the Turf Club to take the project to market.”

The project will be taken to the market soon.

“Sunlight will be a place to live, stay, visit and play – and it’s unlike anything currently on offer in this part of the Gold Coast.

“We look forward to revealing more soon.”

The development is named after 2018 Magic Millions 2YO Classic winner Sunlight.

It was approved by the council in mid-2024.

There were 13 objections made among 91 submissions during community consultation.

Among the concerns were the height and density of the development, which is far beyond anything previously considered.

It comes just months after the turf club introduced its successful night racing capability – proving a hit with a younger demographic – and a $73m upgrade of its facilities.

Originally published as Gold Coast Turf Club: $1bn lifestyle precinct Sunshine development’s big step forward