Redevelopment plans for the former home of a popular Gold Coast steakhouse have been re-cooked with three proposed midrise apartment buildings beefing up an existing approval for an upmarket foodie haven.
Brisbane-based developer Churchill Development Group has reworked its vision for the landmark site of the long-closed Ashmore Seafood and Steak restaurant, citing viability issues and its potential for much-needed housing.
Under the revised plans, it is seeking to serve up a mixed-use project dubbed The Hills, comprising one 10-storey and two 7-storey buildings with 210 apartments and 1420sq m of retail/commercial space.
The move comes almost three years after the green light for a $55-million high-end food-market-style neighbourhood centre—to be known as Ashmore Markets—was given for the site of the local dining institution.
Touted to become a two-storey foodie destination, Churchill’s original plan for the L-shaped 9020sq m holding at 1-7 Reed Street featured 5000sq m of commercial space, including a full-line premium grocer.
However, according to a Zone Planning Group report, the viability of the developer’s initial proposal had been “grossly undermined” by the emergence and commercial focus of the nearby Benowa Village neighbourhood centre.
“The existing approval is therefore unlikely to be economically viable and unlikely to establish on the site,” it said.
The report said that, despite the site’s two-storey (14m) height limit, the change in development direction by virtue of its neighbourhood centre zoning was “considered appropriate” and aligned with the city’s strategic framework and South East Queensland Regional Plan.
“This reflects a location that is envisioned for medium and highrise buildings,” it said.
“The development proposes urban intensification for a large and strategically located neighbourhood centre land parcel within a key inner-city neighbourhood that is located close to services and infrastructure.
“The land in its current state is not high in amenity values and significantly dilapidated. Its redevelopment for a more intensive urban purpose will result in positive amenity outcomes for the locality and wider area along with much needed housing.”
The report noted there was a growing need for neighbourhood centre-zoned land “to offer greater intensity of housing and supporting services, particularly in well located areas, such as the subject site”.
At the corner of Reed Street and Ashmore Road, the site is one of a rising number of the city’s neighbourhood centre holdings being earmarked for increased density.
They include redevelopment plans lodged for the Benowa Gardens Shopping Centre with three medium-rise residential towers comprising 397 units atop 10,000sq m of retail tenancies and 3000sq m of office space/medical suites.
As well, a new $1-billion mixed-use proposal with a trio of towers comprising 700 apartments and 19,375sq m of retail/commercial space has been filed for the The Lanes, an approved “retail resort” site at Mermaid Waters.
Churchill’s revised Ashmore scheme has been designed by Plus Architecture.
It also includes a central resort-style communal recreation area spanning 825sq m featuring a pool, lounge, barbecue and outdoor dining areas, private terrace seating and landscaped breakout spaces.
Parking for 291 cars would be provided across three basement levels.
“This application is lodged as a development permit rather than a preliminary approval (variation request) as the applicant intends to construct the development as soon as possible to address current dwelling supply shortages,” the documents said.
“The proposal is consistent with the sites importance amongst the wider settlement pattern and proposes a building height and design/function that aims to make the neighbourhood centre a focal point for the community, supporting neighbourhood identity and sense of place.
“The modern and attractive architectural design, within the Ashmore locality, will entirely reinvigorate and enhance the subject site, without unduly impacting the amenity currently enjoyed by surrounding and adjoining properties.”
