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Hotel and wave reservoir plans for phase 2 of ACTVE waterpark development on Australia’s Sunshine Coast

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ACTVE ACTVENTURE Australia's best waterpark

The developer of ACTVE, an “active lifestyle” project on Australia’s Sunshine Coast, has plans for phase 2 of the development which will include a hotel, sports facilities and wave reservoir.

Sunshine Coast Council granted approval to SANAD Capital, an offshoot of Dubai-based investment group Najibi, in February for first phase of the development in Queensland. Codenamed ACTVE, it will comprise a state-of-the-art waterpark, a lawn for hosting major events and an outdoor adventure park. The latter component will include activities such as kayaking, bungee jumping, net climbing, zorbing, stand-up paddle boarding and more. A 6,000 square metre retail zone is also planned, together with a choice restaurants.

ACTVE Australia's best waterpark

Waterpark Attractions

WhiteWater will design and supply the waterpark at the heart of ACTIVE. Promised features include the following:

• Australia’s biggest wave pool

• Thrill rides never seen before in Australia such as Abyss, Constrictor and
Boomerango Manta

• The world’s largest interactive aqua play structure (accommodating 2,000 people
at any one time)

• The first Slideboarding attraction in the ASEAN region

“This waterpark has been designed to provide a complete experience for all ages,” notes Bradley P Sutherland, CEO of SANAD Capital in a statement. “The plans contain a dedicated area for tots, thrills for teens with the AquaLoop, as well as raft rides for the whole family to enjoy together.”

ACTVE Australia's best waterpark

WhiteWater CEO Geoff Chutter visited the Sunshine Coast recently.  “The ACTVE project is our first full design in Australia. We are thrilled, not only because of its size and scope, but because of the awesome new slides we’re planning to launch here.”

Phases Two and Three

The Thinkwell Group has been confirmed as lead consultant on the AUS$400 million (US$300m) project, phase one of which will span 14 hectares. SANAD Capital purchased a 25 hectare plot on Steve Irwin Way in January 2016. Development approval was recently sought for phases two and three of ACTVE, including a 4-star family hotel and conference facilities, action sports precinct and Australia’s first “Wave Reservoir”.

SANAD Capital is also working with global hospitality development consultants MEREHA.  Research by the company suggests a positive trading environment in the region which has a limited supply of hotel rooms and an expectation of strong growth in visitor numbers.

A completion date for phase one of ACTVE could not be confirmed at the time of writing. Plans to launch bulk earthwork activities are expected on site within the next few months.

Local tourism representatives are excited at the potential offered by SANAD Capital’s plans. “The project will add significantly to the Sunshine Coast’s tourism and entertainment sector,” says Simon Latchford, CEO Of Visit Sunshine Coast. “It will be particularly effective for attracting domestic and international family travellers. Along with other investments such as our new airport, ACTVE will elevate the Sunshine Coast’s ability to attract leisure travellers, groups and conferences. It will also open the way for growth, jobs and further tourism investment.”

Images and quotes: SANAD Capital

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Owen Ralph

Owen Ralph

Feature writer Owen Ralph has covered theme parks and attractions for over 20 years for publications including blooloop, Park World, World’s Fair, Interpark, Kirmes Revue and Park International. He has also served on boards/committees with IAAPA and the TEA. He grew up just 30 minutes from Blackpool (no coincidence?)

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