Gold Coast City is opening up its green heart and urging ratepayers to help shape the region’s largest outdoor recreation space.
More than 250 hectares of parklands in the suburbs of Merrimac and Robina is being transformed under the Greenheart masterplan and will eventually be home to a number of features, including a sports precinct, events quarter, community park and a discovery hub.
Mayor Tom Tate said Greenheart Stage 1 was progressing well and the city was now looking for ideas to create the remainder of what will be the City’s premier parklands.
“The master plan includes three major precincts and five secondary precincts providing a range of facilities including sports fields, a live event quarter, Discovery Centre, walking trails and improved natural habitats that will create an important wildlife corridor,” Mayor Tate said.
He said the Greenheart masterplan would create an immersive mixed-used parkland for an active and healthy lifestyle, connecting the community through sporting, recreational and cultural experiences.
“The project is a direct response to our city’s significant growth and is vital for us to continue to offer high quality parks, facilities and environmental outcomes for generations to come,” Mayor Tate added.
The masterplan’s sports precinct will include 11 sporting fields, two ovals, six multi-purpose hard courts, amenities and change rooms, while the event quarter will boast a “Celebration event lawn” capable of hosting up to 50,000 people for festivals, community events and markets. It will also include a rooftop restaurant and indoor function facilities.
The Discovery Hub will feature visitor information, education facilities for school excursions and community hire, a café, plus two ovals, with the Community Park home to barbecue and picnic facilities, playground, a multi-purpose hard court, bike trails and kickabout space.
Another feature will be Big and Little Woody Hills, an Indigenous cultural heritage area with walking trails and signage to promote natural and cultural heritage significance.
Residents have until July 1 to have their say.
