SouthPort Master Plan Stage 1 Concept and Design Development

SouthPort Master Plan involved the development of a Master Plan for Stage 1 from concept to Detailed Design to Construction for the Gold Coast City Council. During the project a number of environmental and infrastructure issues were identified including: a seahorse colony, a protected mangrove area, availability of a suitable power supply and the need to design sustainable solutions.
Stage 1 included:

• The great pier that extends 100m out into the Broadwater provides views of Surfers Paradise, The Spit and Southport.
   
• The events lawn, hosts some of the city's largest events including the Gold Coast Airport Marathon and Carols by Candlelight.
   
• There are also places for a picnic, to kick a ball, toss a Frisbee or to simply relax and enjoy the views of the open Broadwater.
   
• A public stage with a large outdoor screen provides a spot to watch movies.
   
• The pavilion building, with a rooftop deck offering elevated views, has park information, public toilets and showers and there will be bike lockers to encourage commuters to use 'pedal power' to travel to and from Southport.
   
• A new pedestrian crossing links Nerang Street and the Southport CBD to the parklands in place of the existing underpass.
   
• Walkways and bridges encourage exploration of the 'urban wetland' and of cascading water and reed-filled ponds that collects, cleans and filters stormwater before it goes into the Broadwater.
   
• A boulevard of fig trees provides a shaded space, ideal for farmer's, markets, picnics and summer promenades.
   
• Coastal casuarinas provide shady spots along the shoreline, for family gatherings.
   
• Unique artwork was unveiled at the launch of Stage One of the parklands.
   
• There is a landscaped car park for approximately 200 vehicles.
   

Kirsty was the Project Director responsible for: analysis of environmental, infrastructure and social issues, development of the Notice of Intent, development of suitable environmental management solutions which included the design and implementation of a new mangrove development and modifications to concept designs to protect environmental areas in agreement with the QLD Environment Department; design of sustainable buildings and infrastructure, engagement with key stakeholders, concept documentation and presentation to stakeholders, project reporting, cost estimating, engineering infrastructure review, geotechnical testing concept and detailed design management; development of design guidelines for  various design features, attaining approval and funding for Stage 1 design implementations, attaining planning approval, provision of advice to the Clients (CEO and Director), Contractor negotiations and for providing strategic direction to the project.

Key Project Achievements:

• Environmental analysis and engineering infrastructure review undertaken on time, to budget and to a high quality standard.
   
• Environmental review undertaken in collaboration with QLD environment Department to ensure timely approvals and effective implementation of offsets.
   
• Notice of Intent submitted on time and approved.
   
• Infrastructure issues were dealt with by using working groups to build effective relationships and smooth infrastructure changes.