Boutique Plans for Rising Gold Coast Riverfront Strip Greenlit

A boutique midrise residential building has been given the green light in a waterfront Gold Coast neighbourhood rapidly transitioning to multi-level high-density living.

The six-storey proposal will deliver three full-floor apartments plus a double-storey penthouse.

It is approved for a 599sq m site at 62 Sunset Boulevard fronting the Nerang River at Surfers Paradise—a strip that has been the focus of a surge of proposed residential developments up to 35 storeys.

“Whilst the current predominant established character of the proximity is that of mostly older, 1 to 2 storey dwellings, duplexes and 3 to 4 storey multi-unit buildings, there is an emerging character of larger more intense development forms,” a town planning report prepared by Zone Planning Group said.

The latest proposal for the riverfront strip has been lodged by an entity led by Gold Coast-based Pan Hong Au and Nang Ho, which acquired the site in December of 2023 for $2.8 million.

Under the approved plans, it will accommodate a mix of three and four-bedroom apartments above ground-level parking for nine vehicles and 145sq m communal open space with a pool, deck and daybeds, pergola and seating area.

It has been designed by Brisbane-based Ferro Chow Architecture.

▲ Renderings of the boutique residential addition approved for the rising Sunset Boulevard strip at Surfers Paradise.

“Drawing inspiration from Moroccan architecture, the design embraces sculpted forms, thickened walls, and rhythmic arches—but reinterprets these elements through an Australian lens,” the application said.

“This project draws from the raw beauty of the Australian landscape and the sculptural elegance of Mediterranean and Moroccan forms to create a contemporary coastal sanctuary.”

In a social media post, Zone Planning Group said the approved development “enhances local housing choice and diversity, introducing quality apartment living to an area traditionally characterised by lower rise housing forms”.

▲ The approved six-storey proposal comprises four apartments sitting above ground-level communal recreation space and carparking.

“Importantly, the design has been carefully shaped around feasibility, deliverability and high-quality built form, enabling construction to commence as soon as possible,” the post said.

“This ensures the project can progress without delay and meaningfully contribute to much needed housing supply.

“The approval also positions the development as a catalyst for future growth in the neighbourhood—supporting the transition towards a more vibrant, higher density residential precinct that aligns with the City Plan’s long term vision for the area.”