BERNARD SALT'S VISION FOR ROBINA

FUTURIST Bernard Salt (pictured) is set to present the vision and opportunities for the central Gold Coast at a special event highlighting the potential of the Robina suburb. 

The Robina/Varsity 2050 - A Future Vision for Gold Coast City event, will highlight the rapid population growth and billions of dollars of investment and innovation expected to transform the city over the next three decades.

The breakfast, which is set to take place on February 24, is the first official event being held by Robina Business Alliance (RBA).

RBA president Ben Burgess says the event marks Robina's 35th anniversary and will set the strategy for future investment over the next 35 years.

"Gold Coast City's population has tripled in the last 20 years and is projected to double again to 1.2 million by 2050 with the central corridor, and Robina/Varsity in particular, poised for significant growth," he says.

"Robina/Varsity is ideally placed to become an international-standard hub for smart business, innovation, technology, integrated transport, education, health, sports, economic development and tourism, creating thousands of new jobs for the city.

"We have developed a series of images designed to showcase our vision for the area by harnessing the existing masterplan, the billions of dollars of investment completed, planned and underway, and a population shift away from the coast to challenge the business, government and investment worlds.

"While there is a perception the central Gold Coast is fully developed, the reality is there is more than 50 hectares of developable land in the Robina/Varsity area, providing a significant opportunity to create something truly special in the heart of our city."

Burgess say Salt is one of, if not the, most respected demographers in Australia and would provide unique insight into the potential growth of Robina/Varsity.

"It is a real coup to have a respected social commentator of the standing of Mr Salt to share his views with the business community and will no doubt really put into perspective the opportunity that exists here," he says.

"The original Robina Project Vision developed by internationally renowned architect, Moshie Safdie, planned Robina as a model town centre and the billions of investment to date including commercial, two rail stations, the M1 Motorway, hospital, sports stadium, schools, Robina Town Centre and Bond University have created the core framework to support the planned future growth.

"Along with continually attracting new and innovative businesses, we see the creation of an internationally recognised city park - an activated tourism mixed use destination through Gold Coast City Council's proposed Green Heart, the Robina/Varsity Innovation Hub and a connection to the light rail and Gold Coast Airport as key new projects to drive long-term growth."

The Robina/Varsity 2050 - A Future Vision for Gold Coast City breakfast will run from 7am to 9.30am on Wednesday, February 24 at the Princeton Room, Bond University.  Tickets are $110 per person or $1000 per table.  CLICK HERE to reserve your spot.