Gold Coast City Strategy

A new light rail system was the catalyst for economic, lifestyle and sustainability benefits for people living on the Gold Coast, one of Australia’s largest, fastest growing and climatically vulnerable cities. 

Working closely with the Gold Coast City Council to realise our vision for a truly integrated design framework, we tackled the challenges of integrating ​‘transit’ into the distinct precincts within the 2000-hectare Gold Coast corridor.

This meant that nine key strategic – and site-specific – ideas were required, within three primary ideas for action. By harnessing growth we can create better streets, buildings and places – and ultimately a more liveable and resilient Gold Coast.

The result is better-connected communities, with walkable streets and new transit systems. The city re-engages with its water edges and creates greener, cooler, restorative public experiences. There is better access to employment centres and cultural destinations.

True collaboration between planners, landscape architects, architects, the council and community ensured a critical and informed strategy for the Gold Coast. The study takes an evidence-based approach, and comprehensively explains the thinking behind its strategies graphically.

Our work was acknowledged as a milestone study in the evolution of integrated transport and land use planning – fundamental to planning for a more resilient future.