BUSINESS & EDUCATION
The Surrounds drives the gentrification of the new Helensvale
WORDS: PHOTOGRAPHY
Helensvale has evolved from being somewhere people used to simply drive through on their way to the theme parks into a thriving suburb with enviable lifestyle amenities.
Villawood Properties’ $500 million community – The Surrounds – is at the heart of the suburb and is now one of the most well-connected communities in the country.
“Today, Helensvale is the gateway to the Gold Coast and is regarded as the new interchange with the arrival of the G:Link,” Villawood Properties’ Executive Director Tony Johnson says.
“The light rail connection at Helensvale Station, located at the entrance to The Surrounds, was the missing link between the Gold Coast and Brisbane. It has also provided an easy commute for northern Gold Coasters to Griffith University, Gold Coast University Hospital, Southport CBD, Surfers Paradise and Broadbeach.
“This level of connectivity has attracted a new generation of people to Helensvale, with a diverse mix of professionals and growing families building their forever homes at The Surrounds.”
Every home within The Surrounds community is within an easy 800m walk of Helensvale Station, with easy access to Westfield Helensvale, the Millaroo Drive commercial zone, and the NightQuarter entertainment precinct.
Mr Johnson says walkable, healthy communities such as The Surrounds that proactively reduce car dependence are the way of the future.
“We have developed a pedestrian-oriented, mixed-use community that encourages residents to prioritise walking, cycling and travelling via public transport,” he says.
“Residents are proactively reducing their ecological footprint, and actively engaging with their community. The Surrounds is already becoming a thriving community with an abundance of green open space and state-of-the-art facilities for the whole community to enjoy.”
The first stage of The Surrounds covers more than 60ha and features approximately 620 homesites and 20ha of green space. The central park with barbeque areas and playgrounds is now complete. Construction has now also commenced on the leisure centre, which will feature a lap pool, kids’ pool, cafe, and gymnasium, all without body corporate.
Visit thesurrounds.com.au for more information.