Plans Lodged for $100m Rainbow Bay Tower

Plans have been lodged for a $100-million-plus apartment tower at the southern Gold Coast’s Rainbow Bay, where a seemingly endless summer of development activity has been running hot since the beginning of the year.

Earmarked to rise from a 1924sq m amalgamated site at 44-50 Eden Avenue—behind Greenmount headland—the 12-storey development will comprise 94 apartments, including three ground-level “town homes”, topped by a rooftop communal area with infinity pool.

The proposal has been filed with the Gold Coast City Council on behalf of CapDev Partners, Kingbella Group and Steer, marking the trio’s third joint-venture on the Gold Coast.

Three existing houses and a block of flats will make way for the Eden Avenue development.

The Plus Architecture design is aimed at “providing a vibrant and contemporary residential apartment building that will reflect the iconic coastal location”, according to the planning report filed with council.

“The design embraces the Gold Coast’s subtropical climate and lifestyle, with generous cross ventilation, shade and recesses in the building form, living areas flowing out to large balconies,” it said.

It also notes that the proposed development incorporating 212 bedrooms exceeds the site’s bedroom density of one bedroom per 25sq m but given the existing infrastructure and location the increased density can be accommodated.

The distinctive and “visually interesting” facade—with its deep recesses and large open balconies oriented towards the ocean and Tweed River—“positively contributes to the Coolangatta skyline”, the town planning report said.

“Overall, the elegant external design reinforces the high-quality apartment interiors, offering a landmark of design excellence for the Coolangatta region.”

According to the plans, the communal rooftop area spanning about 970sq m features an infinity pool, barbeque area, gym, sauna/steam rooms, function room and outdoor lounge areas.

“Landscaping at the ground level will connect to the recreation rooftop area through a number of planter boxes provided along each facade, assisting in further disguising the perceived building bulk and soften the proposed built form.”

Research showing the southern Gold Coast accounted for 43 per cent of the city’s apartment sales in the March quarter heralded the area as one of Australia’s hottest coastal markets.

Other projects in the Rainbow Bay enclave include three developments by developer Paul Gedoun’s S&S Projects—Awaken, Flow Residences and Espirit. The latter development recently recorded $71 million in sales over a “soft launch” weekend.