The buzz around Queensland’s latest billion dollar resort and residential development is continuing to grow as a lead architect for the job has yet to be selected.
While QLD Deputy Premier Jeff Seeney has approved the major project – ‘The Jewel’ resort and residential development – the architectural RDG has not appointed a lead architect.
The deputy premier said the development, which includes the construction of three towers of 45 storeys each, will offer a major stimulus to the Queensland area.
“There is a billion dollar investment at stake here and more than 3,000 jobs were riding on the outcome – the jobs of the 2,500 construction workers and the 670 hospitality staff and other workers who will build, operate and occupy this development,” says Seeney.
The Jewel, Gold Coast
In addition to the job generation and economic boost the development will bring, its high environmental standards promise to make it a positive addition to the Gold Coast skyline.
Aiming for a 5 star NABERs rating, the development is said to include a cogeneration plant that will generate renewable energy for the building’s running, with mixed mode ventilation set to take further reliance off energy-guzzling cooling and heating needs.
The promotion of this highly sustainable development comes at a time when the Green Building Council of Australia has called on both the Queensland government and industry to continue with their green efforts and investment, a particularly relevant goal following the release of the state budget.
While the head architect, when selected, will benefit from the size and scope of the development, the role does not come without conditions. A key understanding of the design ideology and sustainable nature of the project are imperative to the role.
“I have included conditions requiring architectural certification to ensure that the design philosophy and design intent evolves as approved,” says Seeney. “Conditions also require landscaping and acoustic treatments to ensure the potential noise and privacy impacts on neighbouring properties are reduced.”
The outcomes of developments are largely influenced by their leadership, so the appointment of a lead architect will be a key deciding factor in the success of the development. With such a large investment at stake, final approvals will only be given once the position has been filled.
