Villawood Properties has celebrated the official opening of its brand new $4 million Leisure Centre at The Surrounds at Helensvale.

Acting Mayor Donna Gates and local councillor, William Owen-Jones joined key stakeholders at The Surrounds to officially declare the state-of-the-art facility open to residents.

The Leisure Centre will be the company’s sixth recreational facility to be built at the heart of a masterplanned community, and the first to be delivered in Queensland.

Designed by award-winning Gold Coast architecture firm BDA, the centre is positioned within walking distance from every home in $500 million community. It features 750sqm of leisure zones including a future café, lap pool, private multi-purpose room, a fully-equipped gymnasium, and change facilities.

Villawood Properties state development manager Michael Williams says the purpose built facility will become a community hub that will bring the neighbourhood together.

“Social connections are at the heart of all inclusive communities and the Leisure Centre has been designed to promote activity and interaction between residents,” he said.

“It’s positioned beside The Surrounds Central Park, so parents can enjoy a refreshment at the café while watching the kids play or have a swim in the pool. Residents can also utilise the fully quipped gymnasium 18 hours a day.”

The Leisure Centre is being built primarily for the amenity of The Surrounds residents, who will be entitled to two years’ complimentary use of the centre.

“Eventually, it will be an independently-owned and operated facility,” Mr Williams said.

“As the Surrounds is not being created under a body corporate model, Villawood will look after the financial implications of the maintenance requirements for the complimentary period.”

Acting Mayor Donna Gates says the successful delivery of the Leisure Centre reinforces the company’s commitment to developing a community that is connected, healthy and active.

“Villawood has developed a strong track record for building connected communities and this new facility has been designed with dedicated spaces for residents and locals alike to relax, exercise and connect with one another,” he said.

“This facility demonstrates how developers can enhance resident amenities on the Gold Coast and build developments that not only integrate seamlessly with the local area, but actively engage the community.”

More than 300 homesites have sold since the community launched to the market in mid-2016, with over 550 residents already calling The Surrounds home.

The southern precinct of The Surrounds, which makes up the first stage of the development, is due for completion in late 2020. It covers more than 60ha and features approximately 600 residences.