A $187 million “tourism and lifestyle” precinct surrounding an artificial surf lake has been given the green light by Livingstone Shire Council.
The Surf Lakes resort, designed by specialist aquatic architecture firm Liquid Blu and Place Design Group, will be built on a 37-hectare site between Yeppoon and Rockhampton, with Baga National Park as its backdrop.
Around the already existing artificial surf lake, the development will deliver accommodation, restaurants, cafes and bars, a surf shop, a scuba hole, a skate park and a solar farm.
The approved first stage of the project includes the delivery of a caravan park with cabins and camping sites, while a 75-room hotel is planned for a subsequent stage of development.
The Surf Lake pavilion by Liquid Blu with Place Design Group.
Image:
Liquid Blu
The major built component of the first stage is the entry pavilion, which will function as a welcome space for the surf lake, housing a series of programmable “pods” to support lake operations.
“The Pavilion roof creates large indoor/outdoor public areas and generous levels of shade whilst appearing to float above the pods,” a design statement reads. “Pods provide opportunities for informal gathering, flexible navigation and a more seamless experience. Further, orientation and arrangement improves site lines and views of the lake and allows for greater integration into the site over a traditional solid building mass.”
The pavilion and the accommodation cabins will be designed to complement each other, with both formed of timber and tin.
“The use of timber is extensive and assists in grounding both the pavilion and cabins in their natural environment providing buildings with an environmentally sensitive natural aesthetic whilst maintaining an extremely low embodiment of energy,” the design team note.
The existing surf lake with Baga National Park in the background.
Livingstone mayor Andy Ireland said the development would be a drawcard for locals, interstate, and international visitors.
“The Surf Lakes project has continually been unfolding and developing in recent years and today’s meeting marks a major step forward in bringing this fantastic tourism drawcard to life,” he said of the decision to approve the project.
“Council understands the hugely positive impact this development would have on the Livingstone Shire region, placing us on the national and international map for world-class tourism facilities, while also providing a massive economic benefit with job creation during construction and once in operation.”
The project will require further planning approvals as the development proceeds.
Source: Architecture - architectureau
