Whilst we often celebrate individual projects in the “Project of the Week”, it is also important to recognise important precincts. The Gold Coast is more popularly known for being an international tourist destination hosting pristine beaches, a vibrant night life and a largely unspoilt hinterland. It is quite rightly, one of the jewels in Queensland’s crown.

However, what many may not know is that the economic base has been broadened significantly by the Gold Coast Health & Knowledge Precinct (GCHKP) located in Southport. In 2016, the then Deputy Premier Jackie Trad alongside the Gold Coast Mayor Tom Tate unveiled the masterplan for this new precinct in an attempt to grow the jobs of the future. The Masterplan had 200 hectares to work with and a vision of employing 20,000 people when complete. At the time of formalising the plan, the GCHKP was already home to 9,200 jobs, 5,250 which were in health and 500 in research.

Post this date, the site was host to the 2018 Commonwealth Games athletes village, had $5 billion in infrastructure including light rail, road upgrades and the aforementioned legacy accommodation that will be gradually rolled out into the broader community.

Five years on, what has changed?

· Over 14,000 jobs on site

· More than 20,000 students (though the author suspects this is the pre-Covid number)

· 1,000 Researchers

· 700 research students

· 100 plus clinical trials underway

· 2 light rail stations that connect to the heavy rail from Brisbane and also the Brisbane International Airport

· 300 plus partnerships

Economic Development have also taken on a greater role in assisting with the facilitation of commercial outcomes. This is being achieved through the Lumina precinct which is 9.5 hectares of development ready land where potential businesses can either lease offices or buy land to do their own customised development.

Where many new planning strategies discuss the merits of campus style collaboration across sectors, the GCHKP has already had a significant leg up combining the hospital, intermodal transport, Griffith University and available land. Combined with this has been the gradual release of accommodation which has supported the work, live and play…though should also include educate and collaborate. Once complete, Lumina is expected to contribute another 12,000 employees and contribution to the GRP of the Gold Coast of circa $1.3 billion.

So what are the learnings to be had to date?

· This is not a fast process, it is highly dependent on economic cycles to generate and maximise opportunities.

· Despite the challenging times, the vision hasn’t been lost. There is still faith in the long term goals and benefits for the broader community.

· The combination of healthcare, education, technology and transport are key ingredients to the overall success and growth of this precinct.

· Government has to be involved if size, scalability and opportunity is going to be maximised. The alignment of State and Local government is critical in helping to achieve this.

· Do not underestimate the importance of a good multimodal public transport network in growing the geographic area from which students and employees will be prepared to travel. This will grow access to a greater skills pool and continue to elevate the precinct as a place of knowledge and employment desirability, much like Googleplex and other tech hubs have attracted the best and brightest.

· Campus accommodation allows for walkability and cyclability. Linkages across a 200 hectare site will need to be carefully planned and signed.

The GCHKP has added an important dimension and depth to the Gold Coast economy. Whilst debate continues around what is the official or unofficial CBD of the Gold Coast, this precinct quietly gains momentum and builds a reputation around health and technology, modern buildings and complimentary planning. At a time when global health is at the top of everyone’s mind, it seemed apt to showcase the GCHKP as an acknowledgement to the vision and contribution it makes to Queensland as the Smart State.

The Gold Coast Health & Knowledge Precinct

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