The Spit Redevelopment project, located at the top of Main Beach, received the 2022 AILA National Landscape Architecture Award for Parks and Open Space at their annual awards night held on 14 October 2022.
The Seaway Promenade and Moondarewa Spit redevelopment project was a key outcome of The Spit Master Plan Implementation being undertaken by the Queensland Government and designed by a locally based landscape architects, Place Design Group.
Minister for the Environment and Member for Gaven Meaghan Scanlon said the national recognition would be a boon for the whole Gold Coast.
“The Spit is just one of the things that makes the Gold Coast a great place to live and for tourists to visit,” Minister Scanlon said.
“It’s one of Queensland’s best public spaces, and preserving it and improving it is key to our plan on promoting and improving the Gold Coast’s world class lifestyle.
“It’s great to see the work we’ve done on the Spit recognised by the world, we’re determined to ensure the Spit remains a cherished part of the Gold Coast by retaining existing features that the community loves.”
Award recipient Place Design Group was engaged 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 visitors.
Place Design Group Director Clint Wood expressed the firm’s excitement to receive such a prestigious industry award.
“The focus was always to bring the community’s vision for The Spit to life, while retaining the already much-loved elements. The goal was to improve the quality of the site without significantly changing it.”
“As one of the most active recreational public realms in the area, with so much cultural and social significance, this unique, green coastal stretch can continue to attract thousands of people every day, which now ensures a more enduring and sustainable future for locals and visitors to enjoy.” Mr Wood added.
As client for the project, the Gold Coast Waterways Authority (GCWA) CEO Chris Derksema said that the Seaway Promenade and Moondarewa Spit redevelopment project is a great example of a design solution that is sensitive to the environment, inclusive and visually appealing.
“Open spaces, beautiful views, and access to the Gold Coast waterways is what The Spit is cherished for, and we welcome AILA’s recognition for the project that reflects on the community’s vision delivered through the implementation of The Spit Master Plan.’ Mr Derksema added.
The AILA jury praised The Spit Redevelopment with the top award in the Parks and Open Space category, for providing a “strong example of positive open space design within the context of foreshore infrastructure.”
“The design “worked well within the coastal context and showed restraint in material choice to avoid overpowering the stunning landscape, while still providing clear accessibility and a variety of public viewing spaces. “Said the AILA jury in the award citation.
One of four projects chosen for the prestigious award in 2022, The Spit Redevelopment beat six other parkland and recreational spaces from across the country. Redevelopment works were completed in early 2021 following a $5.61 million investment from the Queensland Government, generating more than 20 jobs.
Further public realm works will continue over the coming years to ensure The Spit remains a premium Gold Coast destination for locals and visitors.
To learn more about the implementation of The Spit Master Plan visit: https://gcwa.qld.gov.au/spit-master-plan/
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