Walker Corporation proposes 2,000-home development near Gold Coast's Robina

Developer Walker Corporation has submitted a development application for a 73-hectare master planned community, Breakwater, that will connect Robina, Merrimac and Gold Coast City Council’s planned Green Heart Parklands. 

The masterplan proposes 2,000 townhouses and apartments and is expected to house 3,700 residents.

Besides new roads and public transport, the plan proposes 50 hectares of public open space, lakes and parklands, linked by six kilometres of path and cycle ways to the city's planned Green Heart Parklands. 

“Breakwater is set to deliver numerous benefits to both existing and future residents in Merrimac-Robina, while addressing housing availability on the Gold Coast,” Walker Corporation general manager Queensland Peter Saba said.

According to projections, the city is expected to add 351,000 residents between 2011 and 2036, resulting in a demand for 177,800 homes, he said.

Saba said 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 Saba.

He said existing residents will benefit from the new transport network, which will encourage use of the train station, and new pedestrian links.

Much of the Breakwater site is highly modified agricultural land. Plans include  rehabilitation to the benefit of both residents and native wildlife.  A range of facilities to promote 'active and healthy living' such as lakes with canoe launch platforms, nature corridors, sports ovals and playgrounds are also included.

"An important benefit of the project is that Robina Hospital will be accessible through Breakwater and to Mudgeeraba M1 interchange under more severe flood conditions than Robina Town Centre Drive currently permits.” 

The site is 73 hectares of farmland sitting between Merrimac and Robina neighbourhoods, according to the developer's website.

Walker Corporation said it was holding community discussions about the masterplan.

Once approved, construction is expected to start in 2018.

Last year, Senibong Cove, Walker Corporation’s Malaysian master planned community, was announced as “World Silver Winner” at the FIABCI World Prix d’Excellence Awards, 2016 Master Plan Category.