Robina’s planning framework, with particular reference to town planning approval time frames and the Council infrastructure charges benefits, has long been the envy of the development industry.
Robina has been the epicentre of activity in Gold Coast City for over 36 years. The 20 square kilometres which now forms Robina was purchased in 1980 by Dr Robin Loh with the purpose of transforming the land into a major master planned commercial, retail and residential centre.
One of the reasons for Robina’s phenomenal growth is the ability for sites to be approved and developed in a very timely manner utilising a unique streamlined approval process. This is principally due to the existence of the Robina Central Planning Agreement (the “RCPA”).
What is the Robina Central Planning Agreement?
After Robina Group’s massive investment in infrastructure development (through Robina Land Corporation), the Robina Central Planning Agreement was enacted under an Act of Parliament in 1992, which granted the area substantial planning rights under state legislation. The RCPA is the primary planning document by which development within central Robina is governed.
Developers investing in Robina are able to receive substantial infrastructure charges benefits as well as faster approval time frames. With demand in this location now at unprecedented levels, the RCPA enables the timely delivery of projects well within the current market upswing. Approved uses include (but are not limited to):
- Accommodation (residential and hotel)
- Tourism and entertainment facilities
- Office
- Child care centre
- Commercial premises / professional office
- Convention centre
- Public recreation
- Place of worship
- Cultural facility
- Educational establishment
- Retail
- Showroom
- Medical
Timely development approvals and infrastructure charges savings
Sites within the RCPA are covered by individual approved Plans of Development (a “POD”). The only remaining town planning requirement prior to commencing development is a Final Development Approval. The FDA is non-notifiable (no appeal right and no objectors), and a final decision must come from Gold Coast City Council within 40 days. This significantly streamlined approval process enables faster development.
Another significant benefit to developing in Robina, when compared to other parts of Gold Coast City, is the schedule of Infrastructure Charges to which Final Development Applications are subjected.
Consulting Town Planner, Zone Planning Group has compared Robina’s significant infrastructure charges to identical developments in other parts of Gold Coast City. They have provided an example to illustrate this competitive advantage:
A four (4) storey development comprising 50% medical centre and 50% office with a gross floor area (GFA) of 6,000m² located on a site area of 3,165m² would incur:
- Headworks charges of $85,962.98 if located in Robina Central; versus
- Infrastructure charges of up to $868,490 if located outside of Robina Central and subject to the City of Gold Coast AICR.
“A headworks charges saving of $782,527.02 will be achieved if the development is located in Robina Central.”
* Note: Town Planning advice is indicative only, it relates to a specific site, and is subject to change – contact us to find out the savings available on a specific development site for sale.
Value add for development sites for sale
Robina, at the heart of the Gold Coast, is fully serviced by all essential lifestyle and workplace amenities and infrastructure. It is easily accessible via public transport and has an exceptional arterial road network and M1 Motorway proximity, putting it within a 30 minute drive time of 96% of the Gold Coast’s population.
Home to Gold Coast’s premier shopping destination, Robina Town Centre, it is also an established, yet fast growing residential precinct. It has become the most sought-after place to do business, with Gold Coast City’s highest volume of occupied office space (Property Council of Australia, January 2016).
There is currently $1billion worth of development activity underway in Robina by several stakeholders and the area is in the most exciting growth phase of its 36+ year history.
The amenity rich precinct also offers the latest in medical facilities – a thriving medical hub with Queensland’s second busiest public hospital and a new private hospital.
Robina gets an A+ for education with world-leading providers choosing to base themselves here including Bond University. Read more about Robina’s commercial benefits here.
Approved Gold Coast sites now selling
The above is just the start – the RCPA and its substantial planning benefits and savings, in addition to unrivalled future value drivers makes Robina the place to be for your next residential, commercial, medical or education project. Contact us to discuss the availability of approved developable land to suit your needs or browse a selection of available sites now.
