The Spit Redevelopment

From the designers: The redevelopment of the Gold Coast’s Spit was undertaken for the community, by the community, with the aim of revitalizing one of the area’s much-loved destinations. The Spit is one of the region’s most famous stretches of beach and the initial implementation of the project focused on the renewal of the Seaway Promenade and the Moondarewa Spit areas.

The design team were engaged by the client to deliver the concept and detail design that followed The Spit Master Plan to improve the Moondarewa Spit foreshore parkland and the Seaway Promenade. The vision was to create a welcoming space that reflected on the natural beauty of the waterway’s city and captured the unique identity of the Gold Coast and city through the design of distinctive destinations that responded to the area’s relaxed, outdoor lifestyle.

The Spit Redevelopment by Place Design Group

The Spit Redevelopment by Place Design Group

Image: Ravens At Odds

The site is a highly-sought-after active recreational space and the design team aimed to retain elements of the existing that were already loved by the community and to incorporate new built form, including pavilions and look out structures to connect the surrounding natural and built environment.

The Spit’s public realm is a crucial part of the life blood of the Gold Coast. With this in mind, the design strategy was to preserve existing elements of the area as much as possible, while improving access, amenity and environmental outcomes to foster an enduring and sustainable future for locals and tourists. A key element of the design was the retention and maintenance of the rough shoreline and existing trees and shade. The goal was to improve the quality of the site without significantly changing it.

The Spit Redevelopment by Place Design Group

The Spit Redevelopment by Place Design Group

Image: Ravens At Odds

The renewal of the Seaway Promenade explored the many opportunities that lay along the waterfront. The new four-meter-wide level pathway stretches approximately 675 metres along the south wall of the Gold Coast Seaway and includes a terraced area at the end which offers expansive, unobstructed views along the city’s coastline. The redevelopment of the Promenade includes the refreshing of existing spaces, as well as the addition of stairs for emergency access and new shelters, seating, picnic tables and landscape.

It was important that the revitalisation created more opportunities for people to sit. The design of the terraces provides multiple-level vantage points and encourages social interaction. The incorporation of platforms for rest and gazing for those who may not be able to step out on the sand were also key to fostering inclusivity on all levels.

The Spit Redevelopment by Place Design Group

The Spit Redevelopment by Place Design Group

Image: Ravens At Odds

At Moondarewa Spit, the upgrades were focused on the creation of a must-visit Broadwater viewing spot, the development of wider and safer pedestrian and cycleway paths, additional tree planting to protect the area from erosion, and the design of shelters to better cater for long-term stays. The design of the shelter facades was inspired by the needles of the casuarina (swamp oak tree), while the abstract form of the shelter roof is based on the shape of the tree’s seed pod. The shelters offer a space where visitors can come and relax.

Credits

Project
The Spit Redevelopment
Landscape architect
Place Design Group
Australia
Consultants
Architect Paul Ziukelis Architects
Civil and structural engineer Michael Bale and Associates
Client Gold Coast Waterways Authority
Electrical and mechanical engineer MDA Consulting Engineers
Aboriginal Nation
Yugambeh
Site Details
Location Gold Coast,  Qld,  Australia
Site type Suburban
Project Details
Status Built
Completion date 2022
Category Landscape / urban
Type Public / civic
Client
Client name Gold Coast Waterways Authority
Website Gold Coast Waterways Authority

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