BRAVE NEW WORLD
DREAMWORLD owner Ardent Leisure is considering developing the theme park into an integrated resort similar to Universal Studios and Disney World in the US.
Ardent CEO Deborah Thomas (above) revealed the moves after a company statement to the Australian Stock Exchange yesterday sparked concerns the park might be sold off or downgraded.
THE owners of iconic Gold Coast theme park Dreamworld want to super-size the site with accommodation and entertainment to turn it into Australia’s Disneyland.
Dreamworld parent company Ardent Leisure sent shockwaves through the city yesterday with a statement to the stock exchange appearing to suggest the park’s footprint was under threat.
But Ardent CEO Deborah Thomas later clarified to the
Bulletin any redevelopment would be on unused land and enhance Dreamworld, not detract from it.
“We aren’t selling or closing Dreamworld,” she said, adding Ardent would invest to create a “more attractive and entertaining theme park”.
“We are considering opportunities external but complementary to the park that could include retail, hospitality, accommodation and entertainment precincts, similar to Universal Studios and Disneyland in the US,” she said.
“There is 25 hectares of land at Dreamworld that is not being used.
“We are exploring options to develop that unused land, while continuing to invest in a world class theme park.”
The Ardent site is 60ha with Dreamworld and White-Water World across 35ha.
Ms Thomas said some areas would not be suitable for development and remain as open green space.
The site review would take anywhere from a few months to a year and was about understanding council’s and the Government’s strategic plan for the area and working with them, she said.
News of the site’s potential expansion was warmly welcomed by Gold Coast leaders and comes seven months after a river ride malfunction killed four people in the darkest day for Australian theme parks in 30 years.
Gold Coast Mayor Tom Tate said the potential expansion was exciting news for the city.
“I’m sure this will result in the theme park evolving to the next level,” Cr Tate said.
Northern councillor Cameron Caldwell said Ardent Leisure controlled a significant site in the city’s north.
“A lot of it is undeveloped and the council would consider any development opportunities proposed,” he said.
Ardent’s earlier statement to the Australian Stock Exchange said a review of its master plan for the Dreamworld site would consider the impact of “recent events” in reference to the tragedy and feasibility of rezoning parts for alternate use.
It prompted Dreamworld CEO Craig Davidson to clarify Ardent’s priority was the “recovery of Dreamworld” and Tourism Minister Kate Jones to make a statement in Parliament saying she could confirm the park was “here to stay” and committed to the “long term”.
(WE ARE) INVESTIGATING OPTIONS TO MAXIMISE THE VALUE OF DREAMWORLD’S TOTAL LAND HOLDING AND HOW FURTHER DEVELOPMENTS ON UNUSED LAND MAY ENHANCE THE THEME PARK. DREAMWORLD CEO CRAIG DAVIDSON
WE’RE CONSIDERING OPPORTUNITIES INCLUDING RETAIL, HOSPITALITY, ACCOMMODATION AND ENTERTAINMENT PRECINCTS ARDENT CEO DEBORAH THOMAS
IT SOUNDS EXCITING FOR AN INDUSTRY THAT NEEDS AS MUCH SUPPORT AS IT CAN GET FROM BUSINESSES AT THE MOMENT — AND DEVELOPING THAT END OF THE COAST IS SENSIBLE. GOLD COAST CENTRAL CHAMBER OF COMMERCE CEO MARTIN HALL
THIS MASTER PLAN IS ALL ABOUT ENSURING THE LONG-TERM SUSTAINABILITY OF DREAMWORLD AND DIVERSIFYING THE OFFER AND EXPERIENCES FOR VISITORS TO THIS THEME PARK. STATE TOURISM MINISTER KATE JONES