Foundation work for the construction of The Star Gold Coast’s second new hotel tower is now underway following the completion of demolition work on the site, with progress remaining on track, development bosses have said.
The piling work now underway marked a significant milestone for the development, with the appointed contractor, Multiplex, now focused on the physical build and the rise of the new tower.
Destination Gold Coast Consortium Project Director, Jamie Cali, said around 280 piles were being driven into the ground, each up to 40 metres in length and more than one metre wide.
“Three drill rigs have been used to dig the holes for the piles, extracting dirt on the way and filling the holes with concrete, with the largest rig weighing over 100 tonnes and using a 40 metre long drill,” Cali said.
“Once all the piling has been completed, a 2.5 metre thick concrete raft slab will be poured, creating the base slab for the tower with further slabs, or levels, to continue being built well into 2023.
“The first columns will be installed along Casino Drive mid-year to form part of the new tower’s car park being constructed above Casino Drive. This new car park is being built within our six-level podium structure and will feature more than 310 car parks in total, as well as dedicated bicycle spaces for residents,” Cali added.
The 63-storey tower is the second underway at the site and when complete in 2024, will feature 210 five-star hotel rooms and 457 residential apartments. On the opposite corner of the site, work continues apace at what will become The Dorsett, with the floor slabs on Level 41 now underway on the 53-storey tower and remaining on track for completion in 2022.
Cali said construction was creating up to 1800 new jobs, with more than 500 people expected to be on-site by the time peak construction is underway in 2023.
“This second hotel and apartment tower is a significant development that will provide great job opportunities here on the Gold Coast.
“We have 60 workers on site currently undertaking the piling and in-ground activities that will prepare the site for above-ground column construction.”
At the newest tower, guest facilities will include a day spa and wellness centre, multiple food and beverage options and specialty lifestyle services. It will include a “sub-tropical” recreation deck which will connect directly to The Star Gold Coast’s main building. A lagoon-style swimming pool complete with sun deck, private cabanas, alfresco dining areas, landscapes gardens, a function lawn and other outdoor spaces will support the hotel’s outdoor offerings.
Destination Gold Coast Consortium is a tie-up between The Star Entertainment Group and its two partners, Chow Tai Fook Enterprises and Far East Consortium. The approved AUD$2 billion Master Plan features provision for up to five new towers and associated resort facilities, subject to market conditions.
Once open in full, The Star Gold Coast will be Australia’s first integrated multi-tower resort, with nearly 1,200 hotel rooms, suites and 900 residences across the four towers.