In 2009, when the TPG Underwater Cable between Sydney and Guam was completed, provision was made for the Gold Coast to be connected directly to the cable at a point off-shore from Burleigh Heads.  Recently, the Economic Development and Tourism Committee recommended Council undertake a feasibility study for connection to the fibre-optic link.

Direct connection would mean Gold Coast users could bypass the existing underground fibre-optic link to Sydney; this could reduce the cost of global data transmission for businesses, improve communication reliability and efficiency.  The move would also strengthen the Gold Coast’s attempts to be seen as a regional IT hub and to fast-track delivery of the National Broadband Network for the city.

Following the recent addition of a ferris wheel to the roof, the interior of the (1989 built) Gold Coast Transit Centre in Surfers Paradise is about to undergo a $1.8m revamp.  The facelift will be targeting food retail and alfresco dining operators to set up in the centre and should be completed by November this year.

With just over one third of the $9m required for a proposed redevelopment of Surfers Paradise’s iconic Cavill Mall already allocated, the draft plan for the redevelopment has gone on display.

Designed to ‘de-clutter’ the space, the redevelompent makes provision for dynamic coloured LED lighting, raised busking platforms and more shade trees.  The need for the upgrade has been almost universally accepted already, as the space is beginning to look tired – especially compared to the freshly upgraded foreshore and new Soul commercial space.

Surfers Paradise Councillor Susie Douglas is hoping that the remaning funding will be allocated in this years’ budget.

With Council’s Economic Development and Tourism Committee allocating a further $1.54m to a proposed revamp to the Cavill Avenue Mall in Surfers Paradise, the revamp is now another step closer.  The timing couldn’t be better, with the Surfers Paradise Foreshore Redevelopment approaching completion.

Committe chair, and Surfers Paradise councillor Susie Douglas has stated that:

“The Committee recommended Council enter into negotiations with the Foreshore redevelopment managing contractor, Abi Group, to get the mall project underway as soon as possible.

“As part of a second stimulus package, Council set aside an initial $2 million and considerable work has now been done, including consultation with key external stakeholders, to develop a comprehensive management plan and delivery strategy for the project.”

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.

Having finalised the purchase of a 1.15ha block of land between Christine Ave & Lake Orr, Council are preparing to build the Varsity Lakes Sportshouse.  The community facility will be made up of a two-storey building as well as a boatshed, viewing deck and other amenities.

Site preparation is slated for September with the building and much of the landscaping completed by March 2011.

In the wake of last years’ $90m economic stimulus package, Council’s Economic Development & Tourism Committee is considering further measures to support the local economy, in particular the construction industry.

17 projects, worth up to $314m are under consideration for fast-tracking – with availability of funding a major factor determining which will get the green light. The projects include the Evandale Cultural Precinct and Cavill Mall redevelopment as well as various road, bikeway and greenspace options.

While construction of the Gold Coast’s Rapid Transit project isn’t due to commence until November of this year, and completion remains as far away as 2014, commentators and industry insiders are already discussing the positive impact the project will have on real estate values along the Parkwood to Broadbeach route.

Many agree that prices are unlikely to jump overnight, but a gradual increase of 10% or more is expected, with even greater gains for developers amalgamating sites close to the new transport hubs that the project will create.  Already, a developers are sitting on a number of sites near the Gold Coast Convention Centre, and the project’s initial Broadbeach terminus, with hopes of large future capital gains.

A draft master plan has been submitted for a cultural precinct at Evandale.  The precinct would include a performance theatre, art gallery, drama theatre, discovery centre, and and events terrace similar in size to Brisbane’s King George Square.  The plan also includes approximately 1200 car parking spaces, including 800 underground.  A refined master plan is expected to be brought before Council in September.

In another step forward for the Gold Coast Rapid Transit system and a boon for Southport Central’s commercial precinct, the expanding GCRT team has moved into new headquarters in the downtown Southport building.

The 1500sqm office space should accommodate the team of 80 as they prepare for the start of construction on the project, due in November this year.