NEWS: Ardent Leisure set to build 'QWalk' on the Q1 tower

[jedimaster1227]

http://www.goldcoast.com.au/article/2010/06/17/229071_gold-coast-news.html

 

ADRENALIN junkies could soon be walking among the clouds around the edge of the Q1 if Dreamworld's plan for an outdoor skywalk is approved. The theme park owner is planning to create a new adventure attraction on the Gold Coast with a climb around the top of the world's tallest residential building -- 230m above the Surfers Paradise surf.

 

Dreamworld owner Ardent Leisure has taken over rights to QDeck and lodged an application with the Gold Coast City Council to build a walkway around the outside of level 78 up to the start of the spire.

 

The 'QWalk' climb has been heralded as a saviour for the local tourism industry, with the city desperately crying out for new attractions to lure repeat visitors. "This type of attraction will be a key drawcard for the growing segment of adventure-seekers, which includes young backpackers who are looking for high thrill but unique adventure activities," said Gold Coast Tourism bosses Paul Donovan and Martin Winter, in a letter of support for the application.

 

Ardent Leisure's hopes of having the QWalk up and running by this summer appear to be likely with a council spokeswoman confirming a decision on the application would be made under delegated authority as early as next week.

 

The plan is to build two staircases leading up to the spire either side of the Q1, with three viewing platforms -- including one at the very peak. The other two would be on the south and northeast side of the building and entirely behind the glass face.

 

The proposed walk, which could be similar to the Harbour Bridge climb in Sydney, would have a safety rail along the entire course.

 

A tourist shop on level one of the Surfers Paradise Boulevard building will include ticketing, safety briefing area, photo sales and souvenirs.

 

Ardent Leisure predicts the projected number of visitors would be about 50 per day during non-holiday periods and up to 220 during peak holiday season -- an expected increase of 80 per cent on existing visitor numbers to QDeck. It would operate from 6am to 3am seven days a week with an additional hour from 5am in the summer for a 'sunrise experience'.

 

"The proposed development is considered a significant component in the maintenance of the Gold Coast as a leading Australian tourist destination," Ardent Leisure said in its application.

 

The Q1 is 322.5m high and has Australia's only beachside observation deck offering stunning 360 degree views of the entire Gold Coast, from the surf to the Hinterland and beyond. The express lift reaches the top in 42.7 seconds and there are 1331 steps from the ground to level 77. The Q1 Spire is 97.7m tall. It starts at level 75, is made up of 12 sections and weighs 87.2 tonnes. Powerful arc lights which illuminate the spire can be seen from 200km away.