Gold Coast Airport’s Redevelopment Plan Takes Off with $50m Hotel

Designers Handed Mighty Task as Brisbane Mega Cruise Terminal Reaches New Phase

With an expected construction commencement sometime in 2018, Brisbane’s future mega-hub for international cruise ships now has a primary designer to help craft its future as a major tourist provider.

Design firm Arup was recently awarded the detailed design contract, which will see them devise the concept for the $158 million terminal at Luggage Point at the Port of Brisbane.

The dedicated cruise terminal was approved in October 2017, with the $158 million project to be entirely funded by the Port of Brisbane corporation.

Delivering what the Queensland government believes to be “much needed cruise shipping infrastructure,” the new international terminal will consist of a 9,300 square metre building set over two-storeys and a 200-metre-long wharf, with two air bridges facilitating the movement of passengers on and off the ships.

The entire project will also incorporate public open spaces and suitable parking for cars and public transport.

Arup’s design contract will give them responsibility over the terminal’s detailed design and analysis, terminal building, and landside civil works.

“We are proud to be part of such an iconic project that will boost South East Queensland’s reputation as a global tourism destination,” Arup’s Lloyd Twomey said.

Queensland’s government has been keen to see this terminal become a reality in order to keep up with cruise sector of Australia’s tourism industry, which has reportedly become a standout slice of the cake, performing higher than most other sectors and growing continuously by 20 per cent every year on average for the past 10 years.

Queensland’s government has been keen to see this terminal become a reality in order to keep up with cruise sector of Australia’s tourism industry, which has grown by 20 per cent each year on average for the past decade – outperforming other tourism industries.

In 2014, a reported total of over one million passengers embarked on a cruise ship, and the state government has predicted the terminal has the potential to inject up to $1.3 billion in net expenditure into the Brisbane economy over the next 20 years.

The international cruise terminal is expected to support 3,750 jobs and bring 766,260 international and domestic cruise visitors, and help to meet the growing number of “mega ships” which need the necessary infrastructure to make port.

There is currently no existing dedicated facility in Brisbane to host mega ships, but by 2020, 62 per cent of cruise vessels in the Australian market are expected to be over 270 metres in length.

Source: The Urban Developer 15 January 2018

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Queensland Schools: Parents Forking Out Fortune To Pay For Kids’ Education

QUEENSLAND parents are forking out hundreds of thousands of dollars to put their kids through school and new data reveals even a “free” government education costs $58,000 per child.

Brisbane parents pay more for religious schools than anywhere in Australia and private schools in regional Queensland are also among the most expensive in the country.

Analysis from education finance planners ASG shows Brisbane private schools are some of the cheapest in the country but shockingly parents are still handing over $368,573 for the education of just one child over the course of their schooling.

ASG Chief Operating Officer Bruce Hawkins said the cost of education has risen at more than double the inflation rate over the past 10 years.

“The cost of education has soared by 61 per cent compared to the average growth rate in wages of 34 per cent,” Mr Hawkins said.

“This means that education costs are demanding a far greater share of the family wallet than in the past, placing more burden on the average family, already challenged by the rising cost of living.”

Metropolitan Queensland parents are forking out $58,352 per child for education at a public school and regional Queenslanders are paying $50,757 on average.

Faith-based education in metropolitan areas costs $251,855 on average and $198,012 in regional areas.

Queensland parents with children at private schools are forking out enormous fees with the parents in both metropolitan and regional areas paying about $368,000 for one child’s education — though still around $100,000 less than the national average.

Mr Hawkins said the costs included the standard school fees but were amplified by the addition of other charges for extra-curricular activities, school sport fees, uniform costs, camps and excursions, book levies and subject levies.

He said the data debunked the “myth” that a public school education was free.

“I think some people would be shocked to know how much a public school education costs,” Mr Hawkins said.

“With the introduction of more technology we’re also seeing the use of iPads and tablets become more common and therefore parents are usually either paying a technology subsidy to the school or buying those items like iPads or laptops.”

P&Cs Queensland Kevan Goodworth said many parents would struggle to pay the high cost of education.

“It’s perhaps not so difficult for the middle class but in working class areas it is a big expense,” he said.

“Unfortunately it doesn’t get any better when they go off to university.”

Mr Goodworth said despite the cost, it was important children had “every chance” to receive a good education.

“Schools do a great deal to allay the expenses to parents,” he said.

 

Queensland Education Minister Grace Grace said the government was working to keep costs down and that principals would always work with families to ensure children weren’t “disadvantaged by financial hardship”.

“For instance, to help Queensland families with the cost of education, the government provides a Textbook and Resource Allowance (TRA) to parents of all full and part-time students,” she said.

“Our goal is to provide the best possible learning environment so that all children in the state school system have the opportunity to reach their potential.”

2018 FEES FOR TOP BRISBANE PRIVATE SCHOOLS (INCLUDES LEVIES)

Brisbane Grammar School: $27,085

Brisbane Boys College: $24,478

Brisbane Girls Grammar School: $24,124

Churchie $23,868

The Southport School $22,695

St Margaret’s Anglican Girls School: $22,536

Somerville House: $22,020 (extras guide plus another $2200 for books/camps/uniforms)

St Aidan’s Anglican Girls School: $21,880

Clayfield College: $19,859.70

St Hilda’s School: $19, 451

Stuartholme: $18,084

Somerset College: $17,204

St Joseph’s Nudgee College: $16,615

St Joseph’s College Gregory Terrace: $15,731

Moreton Bay College $15,605

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Broadbeach’s Newest Highrise Is Here Vue Broadbeach

THE $70 million Vue Broadbeach 25-storey tower will provide the lucky occupants of its 84 apartments with sublime ocean views along with an entire floor dedicated to recreation facilities.

Construction of the $70 million Vue Broadbeach tower is expected to start in March.

The 25-level project will feature 84 apartments, including two expansive penthouses and a maximum of four residences per floor on a 1214sq m site at 10-12 First Ave. It’s the sixth highrise project for the local family developer Andrews Projects, and their first in the area.

Sales manager Sarah Andrews said the development would suit owner occupiers and buyers seeking a central location.

The building includes floor-to-ceiling glass to maximise views and natural light.

There’s a range of one, two and three-bedroom apartments.

“North Broadbeach has remained relatively untouched for many years and has always been known as a quality residential area,” she said. “We wanted to create something special that would add to its character and have designed a very organic-shaped building that will provide a real point of difference.”

The development features a mix of one, two and three-bedroom configurations, some with a study or multipurpose room. The building includes floor-to-ceiling glass to maximise views and is orientated to the northeast to take advantage of natural light.

A whole floor would be dedicated to resident facilities. “We’ve purposely situated the amenities on the second floor so the swimming pool will enjoy all day sun, and to provide easy access to the resident’s lounge, sauna and alfresco barbecue areas,” Ms Andrews said.

“It also provides for a spectacular entrance using a void in the lobby, giving it a sense of grandness and space.”

A swimming pool, resident’s lounge, sauna and barbecue area will take up the second floor.

Ms Andrews said the building would have low body corporate fees. The development is situated about 150m from the beach and a light rail station is located at the end of the street. The sales centre is on the corner of Albert Ave and the entrance to Niecon Plaza in Broadbeach and is open seven days.

Source: Gold Coast Bulletin 7 January 2018

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Gold Coast Hotel Rooms Filling Fast For April’s 12 Days Of Commonwealth Games Action

THE Gold Coast is getting ready to put up the “no vacancy” sign during the Commonwealth Games with most rooms across the city booked out.

More than 90 per cent of hotel rooms have been snapped up for the 12 days of the Games in April, according to figures from the Accommodation Association of Australia.

The cost of the few rooms remaining is skyrocketing due to high demand with a majority of hotels charging about three times their off-peak rates.

Hotels are starting to put the “no vacancy” signs up as the city’s hotel rooms start to book out for the Commonwealth Games.

Accommodation Association of Australia CEO Richard Munroe said the occupancy rates of the Gold Coast’s hotels were particularly high around the first few days of the Games.

“It’s getting towards full,” he said.

“People should get into booking soon so they don’t miss out.”

Mr Munroe said hotel bookings for the Games were already at the level usually seen at Easter. However hotel rooms for the Easter period usually did not book out until days before the long weekend.

Available beds during the Games period start at about $305 a night for a room at Enderly Gardens Resort, according to popular online booking website Bookings.com.

Prices for rooms on the Glitter Strip are starting to increase ahead of the Commonwealth Games.
The same hotel on the same website is $95 a night for a booking in March.

Rooms at the landmark Watermark Hotel and Spa start at $345 a night during the Commonwealth Games, compared to $137 in March.

Monique Smith, who started the GC2018 Commonwealth Games Affordable Accommodation for Volunteers group, said she was shocked by the price hike.

Ms Smith said she was in contact with about 50 volunteers who would be visiting the city for the Games but had still not found accommodation and were concerned about the rising prices.

“It’s absolutely disgusting,” Ms Smith said.

“It’s giving the Gold Coast a very bad name because people are just chasing the money.”

Volunteers for next year’s Commonwealth Games are struggling to find affordable accommodation.

Wyndham Hotel Group reports its Kirra Beach resort is already fully booked, its hotel at Hope Island is 90 per cent booked and its Surfers Paradise resort is 80 per cent booked for the Games.

Wyndham Hotel Group Queensland director of operations Warren Cullum said: “Taking into account Easter and the Games, we expect our properties in the city to be entirely booked out for half of the month of April, which is not usually peak season.

“We only have a few rooms still available, so anyone wanting to stay on the Gold Coast during the Games should make a booking as soon as possible.”

Mantra Group executive director of sales Luke Moran said about 70 per cent of their Gold Coast hotel rooms had been booked for the Games period.

Finding an available bed on the Gold Coast during the Games period is becoming difficult.
“Mantra Group has been working with Goldoc for several years now in the lead up to the Games to ensure there are enough rooms for delegates, spectators and the workforce,” he said.

For those looking for a more affordable option, there are a small number of cabins, caravans and camp sites left at the Gold Coast City Council run tourist parks. Those are expected to be booked soon.

A Goldoc spokesman said there was an “abundance of accommodation options” to choose from.

Source: Gold Coast Bulletin 13 January 2018
 

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Find Out The Interior Trends Tipped To Take Over In 2018

Dramatic shades, “curvy” furniture — and Hamptons-style is here to stay.

You heard it here first — these are among the hottest interior trends to hit the Gold Coast this year, according to local interior stylist, Vanessa Wood.

“The Pantone colour of the year has now been announced — ultra violet,” said Ms Wood.

“It’s a significant contrast to the pastels and pinks we’ve worked with in more recent times.”

Those “pretty” tones will remain popular for a while, along with sage green and corals.

Continuing its popularity is the blue and white Hamptons-style residences, from grand waterfront homes to renovated beach cottages.

 

“Due to our coastal location and slight obsession with the “Hamptons” style, this preferred look will undoubtedly maintain its popularity for some time to come,” said Ms Wood.

“Together with the use of weatherboard cladding and grey and white palettes on the exterior of homes, the Gold Coast will watch this architectural preference continue.”

But Ms Wood said the popular white and marble kitchens favoured in Hamptons homes will be eschewed for a darker option.

“In fact, black is the new white and we may see the introduction of more black being chosen, in terms of cabinetry and even being used as a wall colour option,” she said.

Chunky profiles on bench tops will also become sleeker and more understated, and feature black to brown tones or contrasting marble.

When it comes to the finer details, flowers and furniture are tipped to take centre stage.

When it comes to furniture, Ms Wood said a trend already emerging and now set to take centre stage, is the use of lower profile, plumper and “curvaceous” sofas and feature chairs.

“These will feature in all manner of fabrics but velvet and suede are certainly the fabric choices that will be seen more in 2018,” she said.

To cap it off, hydrageneas — either fresh or fake — will be the popular petal of choice to introduce purple hues, sought-after for their array of colour choices and abundant and elegant vibe.

“Not to mention, they must be one of the easiest flowers to arrange successfully!” said Ms Wood.

“Faux plants by the way, are becoming more and more favoured and acceptable.”

How to freshen up your abode:

— Introduce the ultraviolet shade with a bold wall colour, large rug or seating. For a more subtle effect, a deep purple glass bowl, vase, art work or cushion will do just the trick.

— If you like to stay on trend, it’s still possible to infuse the ultra violet colour in a Hamptons home just be sure to use more restraint.

— When it comes to selling, first impressions count. Fresh paint, neat and trimmed gardens, a welcoming scented candle and fresh flowers are so important (Then there’s the obvious declutter, put away the dirty clothes basket, tidy up the toys and freshen the bathrooms).

Source: Realestate.com.au

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Strong Sales In This $162 Million Project Has Resulted In The Fast Tracking Of The Project

CONSTRUCTION of the third tower within the $162 million Cambridge Residences development will start in February, with strong sales prompting the developer to fast-track the project.

The third stage of the four-tower project offers a mix of one, two and three-bedroom apartments priced from $330,000, with the 164 apartments in the first two towers sold out.

Eastview Australia project manager Graham Goldman said the third tower was scheduled to be completed by Condev Construction by August 2019.

“We expect Tower 3 will mirror the sales success that drove the sellout of the first two towers where buyers, particularly those buying their first home, were galvanised by the very reasonable price point,” Mr Goldman said.

“Another compelling feature is the location on the doorstep of Robina Town Centre … residents are just minutes from a major shopping, dining and entertainment complex, public and private hospitals, a major medical precinct and Robina Train Station.

“And they have easy access to the M1, connecting them with the wider Gold Coast region and Brisbane.”

The Agency director of projects Steven Chen said Tower 3 of Cambridge Residences offered some of the best value apartments on the Gold Coast, particularly for first home buyers and investors.

Tower 3 will consist of 127 apartments across 12 levels, with resident facilities including a swimming pool, gymnasium, barbecue area and basement parking.

Apartments range in size from 74sq m to 158sq m, including balcony and courtyard areas.

One bedroom apartments start from $330,000, with three bedroom apartments from $626,000.

Once completed, Cambridge Residences will consist of 386 apartments across four towers.

Source: The Courier Mail 15 January 2018

For more information on Cambridge Residences >>Click here

 

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