Situated on the east-facing slopes of the Gold Coast offering unparalleled skyline and ocean views, is an exciting new address, SkyRidge, the coast’s newest and largest master planned community.
The construction site, still a rocky landscape undergoing earthworks at this point, doesn’t dimmish the impact of the GLE 450 SUV or the man standing beside it.
The project is SkyRidge and the driver, CRA Group Project Director Chris Alston.
“It feels like a complete SUV, and it projects a sense of safety and security,” he says.
In a stunning display of strength and power, the GLE combines a 3.0-litre engine, all-wheel-drive and an 80mm stretch in wheelbase.
“It’s a seamless driving experience, the steering is light and sensitive to the touch, and it really glides through the gears,” he says.
The GLE is a picture of poise and composure. From the outside, it’s defined by clear and sleek lines and from the inside, it feels secure, fast and powerful.
With his sleeves rolled up and tie loosened, Chris looks ready to take to the terrain of the development he’s helping bring to life.
Move up, without moving away. It’s the SkyRidge promise, a project the Gold Coast has been waiting almost a decade for.
“SkyRidge is unique in its prime position between the hinterland, city centre and coast,” says Chris.
“It will be a truly transformational community that will quickly become the new suburb of choice to live in.”
The name SkyRidge was inspired by the exceptional piece of land the development is located on, a 342-hectare site that rises in a series of ridges overlooking the spectacular Surfers Paradise skyline with sweeping northern and southern coast views.
In perspective, it will be of similar scale to Varsity Lakes and built on some of the last land available to be developed within central Gold Coast.
“There is literally nowhere else you can purchase a quality block of land to build a home in a breathtaking address right here in the heart of the Gold Coast,” he says.
“With unrivalled lifestyle options on offer, a premium address and spectacular views of the city, SkyRidge is a once in a lifetime opportunity for the discerning buyer.”
Since its launch in late 2021, SkyRidge has experienced unprecedented buyer enquiry, demonstrating the pent-up demand for land in the city.
More than 1,000 registrations of interest were lodged for land sales within the first 24 hours of unveiling the development, hitting the 4,000 mark within a month.
“We were aware of the interest in the development, as numerous enquiries have been made over the past few years as people realised it is potentially the last remaining community of this size and scope in such a prime location,” Chris says.
“Land shortage has been reported as a major issue in Southeast Queensland however, SkyRidge will help ease this demand during its lifecycle.”
Over a projected 15-year period, the $1.5 billion project will deliver up to 3,500 homes, a high-quality shopping and dining precinct, and a proposed school anticipated to provide education from prep through to Year 12.
“The entry to the estate will feature a brand-new retail centre for everyday shopping needs, complete with supermarkets, cafés, speciality retailers, restaurants, childcare – the list goes on,” says Chris.
“The entire project has been carefully planned and crafted to compliment the future community that SkyRidge will become.”
Residential streetscapes will be of the highest quality, with home sites in initial stages ranging from 240sqm up to 1,700sqm to suit a variety of home styles and lifestyle desires, with the average lot size equating to approximately 450sqm.
“SkyRidge will offer a diversity of housing to suit all demographics and needs, whether it be an apartment in the village centre, through to a traditional lot in one of our lifestyle precincts or a large block at the top of the ridge,” he says.
A key feature of the development will be an expansive network of large open green spaces, parkland and recreations areas, environmental corridors and public art.
From small urban pocket parks to large scale ecological preserved areas, SkyRidge’s extensive network of walking and hiking trails will connect with large parklands, offering residents a great sense of space and recreation uses.
“One of the design parameters, right from the beginning, was that no resident would have to walk more than five minutes to reach green infrastructure,” says Chris.
“Within a short distance from every home, will be parkland or bushland, ensuring a place to seek solace or adventure.
“We will create over 75 hectares of open space within the estate.”
Meandering through the estate, a three-kilometre ecological corridor will preserve the natural environment as well as the movement of wildlife.
“SkyRidge is much more than a new neighbourhood, it will become the benchmark for future communities by harnessing the very best in urban design while remaining connected with nature,” says Chris.
“There will be expanses of lawns, barbeque facilities for families, a five hundred person amphitheatre for moonlight cinemas and also Christmas and school concerts, a place where the community can take centre stage.
“For fitness buffs, we’ll have 180-step stair climb elevating over approximately 30 metres, which will also provide residents with spectacular views of the ecological corridor.”
The first nine stages of the development have been approved by Gold Coast City Council and siteworks, including earth moving and perimeter fencing installation, commenced early 2021.
Land sales have commenced, and a 37-home display village will begin construction early next year, opening in the first quarter 2024.
“As Southeast Queensland evolves and the Gold Coast matures into a world-class city, places within its central and western suburbs are likely to become increasingly desirable,” says Chris.
“To be competitive, new developments in these areas will need to offer diverse residential options, a range of lifestyle amenity and neighbourhoods that match the growth and lifestyle expectations to support our burgeoning population.
“As the next great neighbourhood for the Gold Coast, SkyRidge will be a major contributing factor to the sustainable future of the region by providing an inspired place to live, work and play.”
For more information visit skyridgeliving.com.au/