Wind Tunnel ("Canyon") Effect
Summary: The height and bulk of the proposed building, especially in conjunction with other nearby towers, is likely to create strong wind gusts and turbulence at ground level – a wind tunnel effect. This could make adjacent private and communal open spaces uncomfortable or even unsafe on windy days. The applicant has not conducted any wind engineering studies for this project, so the impact on the public realm and neighbours remains unknown.
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City Plan Wind Impact Considerations: The General Development Provisions PO2 require consideration of the development’s impact on amenity and health and safety due to wind effects.
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Cumulative impacts of towers: Winds on the Gold Coast often come from the southeast but can also be influenced by seasonal northerly and westerly patterns, especially during winter and summer. A cluster or row of tower forms can channel these winds between them and down to street level – the “canyon effect” – increasing wind speed where people walk or sit. This can result in strong cross-breezes, sudden gusts at the street corners, or continuous wind in the shadow of the buildings. For cyclists and pedestrians this is not just unpleasant but can be dangerous.
Conclusion: The proposal appears to have given no consideration to the impact of wind effects therefore has not demonstrated compliance with The General Development Provisions.