Fig Trees Saved in Nine-Storey Southport Tower Approval

A controversial boutique nine-storey residential tower has been given the green light for a tree-lined street bordering the Southport priority development area on the Gold Coast.

Two mature fig trees estimated to be about 60 years old will be retained as part of the project.

Last month, a local councillor sparked heated debate after calling for a $250,000 bond to ensure the safety of one of the trees that was deemed to be potentially most impacted by the development proposal.

Southport councillor Brooke Patterson argued the tree was a valued part of the area’s local character and “we should be sending a message”.

However, council officers recommended a surety of $100,000 would be sufficient to guarantee the tree’s preservation.

The proposal for the BDA Architecture-designed scheme comprising 54 two and three-bedroom apartments was lodged with the Gold Coast City Council in October last year.

It was filed through an entity linked to local property development players Ralf Hecke, Graeme Cameron and an investment syndicate.

Concerns about the height, density, traffic and impact of the proposed residential tower were raised in more than 180 submissions.

But according to a planning report supporting the proposal, the 1555sq m site spanning three lots at 18-20 Bauer Street and 10 Chester Terrace is “within an area that is currently transitioning from older housing stock into a more intense ‘urban’ outcome”.

The proposed tower will rise to a height of 30.8m, which exceeds the site’s mapped building height limit of 23m but is within the maximum 34.5m available if the criteria under the council’s 50 per cent uplift provision is achieved.

The report said the project would have “no impacts on the existing skyline of the immediate area”.

“The subject development also complements and supports the urban renewal strategy associated with the light rail corridor … [and] provides for additional housing forms within a walkable neighbourhood and close to public transport infrastructure,” it said.

A submitted design statement said the project would offer “a high-quality contemporary design that respects the surrounding environment”.

“The imaginative and innovative detailing and built form demonstrates a positive outcome which will enhance this developing pocket of Southport … [and] maintain the existing natural character of the street,” it said.

Communal recreational open space is to be provided in the form of ground floor residents gym, lounge/lobby area and garden seating as well as a rooftop terrace area that includes an outdoor barbecue area, seating and amenities.

A total of 79 carparking spaces are planned for the ground and basement level.