We’re racing: $1B Sunlight Lifestyle Precinct to transform Gold Coast Turf Club

A billion-dollar vision for the Gold Coast has jumped a major hurdle, with the Sunlight Lifestyle Precinct - a joint venture between the Gold Coast Turf Club and Aquis Australia - now officially moving ahead following community stakeholder resolution. 

Set to reshape two hectares at the edge of the Turf Club into a new mixed-use destination, the project - originally approved by council in August 2024 - will combine residential, entertainment, retail, and short-stay accommodation in one of the city’s most ambitious transformations to date.

The announcement marks a new and exciting phase for the Turf Club, following a series of recent infrastructure upgrades, including a major track redevelopment and the introduction of night racing, setting the stage for the next evolution of the entertainment precinct.

“This is a fantastic outcome for the Gold Coast,” said Steve Lines, CEO of the Gold Coast Turf Club.

“We’ve taken a careful, considered approach from day one, and the outcome reflects that.

“This has never been about moving fast. It’s about doing it properly, and with the community beside us. To have that support, and the backing of Gold Coast City Council and the State Government, gives us the confidence to now take the next step.”

The masterplan - designed in collaboration with international and local experts, including Woods Bagot - will include short-stay accommodation, apartments, wellness and fitness spaces, market-style food and retail, rooftop pools, sky gardens, and immersive tropical gardens.

The precinct is designed to complement the Turf Club’s vision to create a world-class entertainment precinct in the cultural heart of the city.

The project is being led by John Fung, son of Aquis founder Mr Tony Fung, who will now oversee the delivery of Sunlight.

“We’re incredibly proud to be part of such a transformative vision,” said Mr Fung.

“Sunlight will be more than a precinct; it’s a chance to create a lasting destination that captures the spirit of the Gold Coast. Our team is energised and working closely with the Turf Club to take the project to market.”

The Turf Club extended a special thanks to the City of Gold Coast and the Queensland Government for their continued support throughout the appeal process.

“We’re proud to have resolved matters in a way that satisfies our local stakeholders and allows us to move forward with certainty,” said Mr Lines.

“The support from the community has been excellent. Everyone’s aligned, the wheels are now turning, and we are looking forward to delivering a truly world-class community asset that will generate hundreds of millions of dollars for the Gold Coast.”

With key approvals now in place and only minor planning refinements remaining, preparations are progressing for a formal public launch of the project.

“Sunlight will be a place to live, stay, visit and play - and it’s unlike anything currently on offer in this part of the Gold Coast,” said Mr Fung.

“We look forward to revealing more soon.”

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