GREEN LIGHT FOR LAND DEAL
A MUTLIMILLION 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 on 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 extend to 22.5ha.
City leaders are now devising possible features and attractions that 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.
“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.
Mayor Tom Tate said it was a “fantastic outcome” for Gold Coast residents.
“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. “It is always value for money acquiring open space for the city at no cost to ratepayers.”
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.
Robina Group chief executive Hylton Slater said being able to give additional land to further enhance the scope and scale of the parklands was important to Robina Group’s ongoing legacy as founders and creators.
“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.”