Ridong Group’s $160 million garden resort on the Gold Coast should be built elsewhere according to council officers.
A decision on the application for the 50 hectare development in Tallebudgera is expected to be made next week with council officers raising many concerns at a preliminary meeting.
Hundreds of submissions were made against the development application and a public rally attracted more than 400 people in December.
Ridong, a Chinese development company based in Zhuhai and one of the original developers for Jewel resort in Surfers Paradise, put forth the application for the wellness retreat in September 2018.
Plans on the 50 hectare site at 49 Tallebudgera Connection Road included 162 villas, 98 hotel rooms, four restaurants, a wedding chapel, day spa with 32 treatment rooms, museum, gallery, gardens and private lake.
DBI architects were behind the design, which previous projects include $1.7 billion Etihad Towers in Abu Dhabi, the $1 billion Jewel and the $200 million Infinity in Brisbane.
Council officers raised a number of concerns at an Economy, Planning and Environment Committee meeting.
“The proposed development is considered to present potential economic benefits through employment opportunities and tourism related revenue,” stated in the agenda.
“However, officers do not consider that these benefits are site specific and could be provided in a more suitable location.
“Further, the applicant has not demonstrated a ‘need’ for the development to be located at the subject site.
“Officers acknowledge that the proposed development includes components which could provide a benefit to the city, however, do not believe that these benefits warrant the approval of this application as officers believe such a development could be provided in a more suitable location.”
A final determination on the plans will be made when it goes to a full council meeting on February 18.
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