It has long been agreed that a new bridge between Hope Island and Paradise Point will be required to keep track with population growth, and to provide additional work to the local construction area.  After past postponements, Mayor Ron Clark has requested that the Gold Coast City Council CEO “bring back a report as soon as possible outlining design, tendering and construction for the initial two lanes for the [proposed 4-lane] bridge, including detailed options for its finance.”

The report is due in early November, and is likely to look at commencing works in the near future, as part of the Council’s economic stimulus package.

Following recent financial difficulties, developer Fish Group has decided to sell off Hope Island’s Marina Quays Town Centre site.

Paul Smerdon, the company’s development manager commented to the Gold Coast Bulletin on the sale, “It appears there is demand for that particular asset (and) it’s no secret we don’t have the financial ability to build the town centre at the moment.”

The 6.8 hectare parcel for sale consists of five smaller sites in one line, and was originally slated for a Woolworths supermarket, medical centre, private school and numerous retail outlets and commercial offices.  Fish Group are hopeful that  a larger, more experienced developer will take the site off their hands, and allow them to continue their restructuring.