New 73 hectare community in the planning to connect Robina, Merrimac and Green Heart Parklands
12 July 2017
Walker Corporation: Australia's largest private, diversified property developer, Walker Corporation, has submitted a development application for a 73-hectare master planned community, Breakwater, that will connect Robina, Merrimac and Council’s planned, Green Heart Parklands.
Generating a range of economic, environmental and social benefits for the existing community, the proposed masterplan will deliver 2,000 townhouses and apartments – offering 3,700 residents new homes in a prominent location, deliver new roads and public transport, as well as unlock 50 hectares of public open space and parklands, linked by six kilometres of path and cycle ways to the city's planned Green Heart Parklands.
Breakwater will deliver critical new infrastructure to the fast-growing Merrimac-Robina region. The addition of two new roads will provide alternative routes and improve access to Robina Hospital, Robina Train Station, All Saints Anglican School and Raptors sporting club. This will result in 600 to 800 fewer cars daily along Breakwater Drive than there would have been under the current approval.
The project is expected to deliver a $1.2 billion injection into the local economy, off the back of 485 full time jobs anticipated during construction.
General Manager Queensland at Walker Corporation, Peter Saba, said, “Breakwater is set to deliver numerous benefits to both existing and future residents in Merrimac-Robina, while alleviating housing affordability and availability on the Gold Coast, which is expected to add 351,000 residents between 2011 and 2036, resulting in a requirement for 177,800 homes.
The increase in dwelling density is in-line with the objectives of the Gold Coast City Plan and the broader South East Queensland Regional Plan, which favours development in existing urban areas where possible.
“It makes sense to provide new housing near existing infrastructure in established, employment-rich areas like Robina, where people can live, work, study and socialise within their neighbourhood, instead of moving to 'fringe' suburbs with a lack of infrastructure and facilities,” said Mr. Saba.
"We have thought carefully about the mix of housing to be included in Breakwater, with a view to creating a diverse and inclusive community suitable for people at all stages of life” said Mr. Saba.
The value for existing residents is in the new transport network, which will encourage use of the train station, less than one kilometre away, and new pedestrian links, supported by two new roads connecting to education, health, sporting and lifestyle amenities.
Approximately 25 per cent of the Breakwater site is degraded agricultural land and wetlands, which would be rehabilitated to the benefit of both residents and native wildlife, with plans to include a range of facilities to promote 'active and healthy living' such as canoe launch platforms, nature corridors, sports ovals and playgrounds.
Mr. Saba said, “The Breakwater proposal will improve outcomes for the Merrimac-Robina community.” The proposed development is on a flood plain but, “new neighborhoods, residential building and roads will be built up above the designated flood levels, with flood and storm water to be directed into channels and through the site. An important benefit of the project is that Robina Hospital and Railway station will be accessible through Breakwater and to Mudgeeraba M1 interchange, and under more severe flood conditions than Robina Town Centre drive currently permits.”
Walker Corp has already started a community consultation program to answer any questions local residents may have about our new masterplan, and listen to feedback about the development. “We encourage anyone interested in learning more about Breakwater Robina to visit our project website and sign up to our newsletter for regular development updates,” concluded Mr. Saba.
Pending approval, construction could commence in 2019, with the 'iconic and unique' community to take shape in stages, over a decade.
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Source: Walker Corporation - www.walkercorp.com.au
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