Golden years have gone platinum as developer Nifsan puts the polish on plans for a $200 million age care metroplex at the group’s $1 billion Emerald Lakes project at Carrara.

The Inlet will include two nine storey towers, 24 two and three storey condominiums, eight two and three storey duplexes, 13 two storey villas and 11 two storey detached houses, all surrounding the development’s signature lakes.

Plans for the over 50s facility, bordered by Nerang-Broadbeach Road to the east, have been lodged with Gold Coast City Council and Nifsan is awaiting approval.

Ian McLean, the Australian head of Nifsan, which is largely owned by Japanese billionaire Toshiaki “Toshi” Ogasawara , said the precinct would fill a gap in the age care market.

“The vision we have for The Inlet is a place where over 50s can live comfortably and securely but still be a part of the wider community at Emerald Lakes and on the Gold Coast,” he said.

“The project would work right through all sectors of the seniors market and offers multiple price point entries, from one bedroom studios to penthouses.

“We see this facility as being a place where people can enjoy the later stages of life without being cut off from the community.

Mr McLean said that the ultimate configuration of The Inlet would depend on council approval as well as the manager chosen for the project.

He said the site was perfec5t for its target market as it was close to a proposed sporting club, featuring, facilities for tennis, bowls, rowing and sailing.

“The Inlet will be accessed not just by public roads but the bridges for pedestrians and the golf buggies used within the Emerald Lakes estate and by the water,” said Mr McLean.

“When complete, Emerald Lakes will be somewhere residents can live their whole lives, from childhood through to the post retirement. With a kindy, nearby schools, apartments, villas, houses and the age care facility, it’s a home for life.”

Sales in the 210ha master planned Emerald Lakes have surpassed $56 million since the New Year, with Nifsan attributing the increased interest to the number of Gold Coast residents making use its open facilities, including the 37ha manmade lake.

Home sites on the lake’s south island have sold out for more than $143 million, with buyers in the planning and construction phases with their future residences.

Emerald Lakes, which includes a championship golf course, 11km of walking and cycling tracks and the centerpiece lake, is expected to be completed about 2010.

Nifsan, which owns the exclusive Villa at Nerang, is in the planning phase for further stages, including the town centre and European Village