Highrise Plans Pitched for Canalfront Gold Coast Enclave

Plans have been filed for a 17-storey slender 1970s-inspired tower in a waterfront residential enclave tucked behind the famed Surfers Paradise skyline.

Crowned with a rooftop recreation pool deck, the proposed development comprises 30 mostly half-floor apartments below a full-floor penthouse.

It is earmarked for a 688sq m site at 15 Sunrise Boulevard fronting a canal that has direct access to the Nerang River to the north.

“The site is within a transitioning urban area that is extremely well located with regard to proximity to high frequency transport, commercial services, retail services, public recreation and community facilities,” a planning report said.

The surrounding area mostly comprised older, lowrise homes and multi-unit buildings. However, recent approvals and applications showed an emerging trend towards larger, more intense developments, supported by unlimited building height and excellent access to key services and public transport, it said.

The tower proposal has been lodged by LMSB, an entity of four Queensland developers.

Its scheme—designed by Gold Coast-based BDA Architecture—features a mix of two, three and four-bedroom apartments spread across 16 levels.

The planned rooftop communal recreation facilities span 242sq m across levels 16 and 17 with a swimming pool and deck, daybeds, gym, hot and cold plunge pools, sauna and a barbecue/fire pit area.

▲ Renders of the 17-storey residential tower proposed for 15 Sunrise Boulevard.

Carparking for 52 resident and five visitor vehicles would be accommodated across three basement levels and the ground floor.

“This project offers the opportunity to design an innovative architectural building and provide a higher residential density development to this central pocket of Surfers Paradise,” a design statement said.

“The 17-storey residential apartment building is a modern take on the surrounding apartment buildings of the ’70s.

“With a refined facade and architectural language … the imaginative and innovative detailing and built form demonstrates a positive outcome.”

Property records indicate the site—with views north-west to the HOTA (Home of the Arts) precinct, and the Surfers Paradise skyline to the east—last changed hands in 2021 for $2.85 million.