The 10-year build of the 220 hectare urban space that has been on the backburner for years, will cost an estimated $138 million and end up six times larger than one of the city’s best-known parks, the Broadwater Parklands.

It is expected the new park, based around Robina, would become as integral to the city as Sydney’s Centennial Parklands, which is visited by almost 31 million people each year.

Mayor Tom Tate said the ‘greenheart’ project was essential to the Gold Coast given its burgeoning population growth that continues to be fuelled by rapidly increasing migration from Sydney and Melbourne.

“In simple terms, we have to ensure sufficient green and open space for our booming population. That is a condition of the State Government’s (Local Government Infrastructure Plan),” Tate said.

“We are known for having a wonderful lifestyle. We have to really invest in our outdoor space so people go, ‘look the population growth is planned’.

“The people are coming and at the same time we’ve got our open space that all Gold Coasters cherish, not just the beaches but also our parklands,” he said.

Tate said the first stage would be built within 18 months.

The project will deliver sporting fields, wetland walks and nature-based experiences.

The Robina space currently covers existing wetlands areas, presenting hydrological challenges to the build and budget.

Tate acknowledged funding would need to be allocated for future stages as the project evolves.

“It will truly be one of the most spectacular public spaces in our city,” Tate said.

“People out west won’t need to go all the way into Southport, they’ll be able to go there and listen to concerts, walk through and see wallabies and koalas, it will be great for the family.”