The Gold Coast is set for transformation over the coming decade with several ambitious infrastructure projects driving widespread growth across the city.

By improving connectivity these projects will unlock enormous potential in the commercial real estate sector, attracting investors keen to capitalise on opportunities within the burgeoning market.

Here are the key projects reshaping the landscape.

Gold Coast Light Rail – Stage 3

The Gold Coast Light Rail is currently being extended by 6.7km from Broadbeach South to Burleigh Heads, including the construction of eight new stations. The $1.2 billion project, once completed in 2025, will bring increased footfall to the area and boost existing business. Potential changes to the Town Plan could also create opportunities for those seeking to sell assets along the route as developers swoop to snap up rare inner-city blocks.

In 2018 the government approved a $2 billion masterplan for The Star to create a world-class recreational hub in this popular inner-city location. It includes hotels and apartments across four towers, restaurant and bar precincts, entertainment and retail options and resort facilities, alongside a revamp of the Gold Coast Exhibition and Convention Centre. Once completed, this community will be a major tourist attraction offering more tourism accommodation than any other resort in Australia.

Gold Coast Airport

In 2022 the Gold Coast Airport opened the doors to its new terminal, part of a $260 million expansion project. The terminal has allowed for new flight paths to a number of national and international destinations, boosting tourism numbers. The project is part of an ongoing transformation of the wider airport precinct, with about $500-million worth of works delivered, underway or in the pipeline.

Health and Knowledge Precinct

Spread across 200ha in the city’s northwest is this emerging health and innovation hub that mixes high-tech industry development and research with residential and retail offerings. Set for completion in 2030, $5 billion has been invested in infrastructure including Griffith University, Gold Coast University Hospital and Gold Coast Private Hospital.

Rejuvenation of Southport CBD

More than $5 billion-worth of infrastructure projects are in the pipeline to reinvigorate Southport, long considered the city’s central business district. Commercial redevelopment opportunities are already emerging in anticipation of these projects coming to fruition. Among the upgrades earmarked are the rejuvenation of Chinatown and upgrade of Australia Fair Shopping Centre.

The Spit Masterplan

The Queensland Government has committed $60 million to deliver community infrastructure projects and the release of undeveloped land along this 140ha stretch of Gold Coast peninsula. Implementation of the plan is underway and has created a strong pipeline of jobs and investment, while ensuring the protection and enhancement of public open spaces. Project works include the revamp of Marina Mirage and approval for The Mantaray Marina and Residences, a $300 million mixed-use waterfront development, among other projects.

M1 Pacific Highway Upgrade

The Federal and State governments are pouring $5 billion into upgrading the M1 between Brisbane and the Gold Coast. There are 11 projects earmarked, including construction of the Coomera Connector – a 45km north-south corridor between Loganholme and Nerang. Widening lanes and improving interchanges along the M1 is set to improve congestion and connectivity, while reducing travel times between the two cities.

Faster Rail Project

More than $2.5 billion is being invested to upgrade the Brisbane-Gold Coast rail line, doubling travelling capacity. The work includes new tracks, rail systems and signalling technology as well as station upgrades. The improvements will also help to service the anticipated influx of travellers moving between the two cities during the 2032 Olympics.