High Hopes: 16-Storey Coolangatta Tower Plans Filed

Plans have been filed for a residential tower rising almost 19m above the building height limit of a site nudging the Queensland-New South Wales border at Coolangatta.

The proposal is for a 16-storey high-rise with 34 apartments—topped by a four-bedroom penthouse—on an 810sq m site at 239-241 Boundary Street.

It has been lodged by entity Intrepid Developments (Qld) Pty Ltd linked to Dale and Brett Nicholls and is planned to top out at 56.7m, exceeding the site’s code-assessable building height limit of 38m.

According to the filed documents, the proposal is “generally consistent with the emerging character of the neighbourhood and provides exemplary design in order to benefit from the 50 per cent uplift provision for developments in urban neighbourhoods”.

“The proposal will not result in any negative impacts on local character or scenic views,” a submitted planning report said.

 “The most popular public outlook is Point Danger whereby spectacular 180-degree views are afforded from the north to the south.

“The proposed development will not impact on this view, nor is it expected that this development will be visible from this location when views to the west are considered.”

It added: “Of note is the 49.5m building height afforded to sites within NSW in proximity to the site and the development will not have any impacts on the safe, secure and efficient operation of the Gold Coast Airport or any other aeronautical facilities.”

▲ Render of the proposed residential tower at 239-241 Boundary Street, Coolangatta.

The site occupies two lots on the northern corner of the intersection of Boundary Street with Ward Street at Rainbow Bay.

Under the scheme designed by Plus Architecture, the proposed tower would accommodate 17 two-bedroom, 16 three-bedroom apartments and a four-bedroom penthouse, ranging from 93sq m to 308 square metres.

“The building has a distinctive design with simple yet elegant lines and natural hues synonymous with a modern beachside location,” the DA said.

“A high level of articulation is provided through the use of angles within the building’s footprint together with angled sun shading devices.

“The base of the tower provides an extensive use of cascading plants assisting in grounding the building and providing an inviting and serene entry to the development and space for communal activity.”

Level one would include a communal gym overlooking Ward Street with a yoga space connected via spiral staircase to the pool and pool deck below.

Level 15, accommodating the penthouse, is proposed to be connected via a spiral staircase to a private rooftop terrace including a plunge pool, pool deck, barbeque space and outdoor lounge/dining area.

As well, the rooftop terrace would accommodate additional communal open space.