$500m resort gets fresh life
GRAND plans for a giant $500 million three-tower “integrated resort development” next to Dreamworld have been revived.
The Coomera Masterplan project, first proposed nearly four years ago, is moving forward after a battle in the Planning and Environment Court to secure approval.
A revamped development application submitted to the council this week by Gordon Corp proposes the number of hotel rooms in the complex be slashed from 300 to 225.
The developer argues the project will still be one of the largest resort hotels in the city, with more rooms than either the Hilton or Jewel. If approved by council, the developer plans to begin construction of the 10-storey first tower in 2020.
The second and third towers were proposed to be 12 and 15 storeys respectively but this is expected to change.
The change has been made at the request of the architect representing the unnamed hotel operator while preparing a new design for the project.
“(The architect) determined that it was not possible to fit a minimum of 300 resort hotel suites within the 10-storey building height limit whilst also providing all the ancillary facilities,” a report to the council says. “It is fully understood that council would not entertain additional building height for the site and it is understood this is required to be a resort hotel providing a high level of tourist facilities.
“The 300 resort hotel suites was a number generated by council during negotiations to settle the appeal.” Among the features planned for the hotel are:
• 130-seat all-day dining area.
• 400sq m ballroom.
• 40-seat pool bar and “generous lagoon-style” swimming pool with two spas.
The planning report says the developer wants to move forward with construction after years of delays.
“This reduction (of room numbers) allows the future project team to move forward with (an application) for all three stages,” the report says.
“The client is keen to proceed with construction in the new year.”
THIS REDUCTION (OF ROOMS) ALLOWS THE PROJECT TEAM TO MOVE FORWARD ON APPLICATION FOR ALL THREE STAGES
REPORT TO COUNCIL