ApartmentsPhil BartschFri 21 Aug 26
Scaled Back Plans Cut Broadbeach Tower Scheme by Nine Storeys
Approved plans for a Gold Coast tower have been dramatically redesigned and scaled back by nine storeys as the feasibility juggle to stack up projects continues in South-East Queensland.
The development rethink follows the 1768sq m site at 33-37 Armrick Avenue, Broadbeach, changing hands for $8.95 million in a deal settled in August last year.
Its new owner—an entity called Bawa Property Group linked to Melbourne-based property figure Michael Mamasis—has lodged the change application, which also includes a modified tower design.
The site was originally approved in December of 2023 for a 35-storey tower comprising 203 apartments, proposed by Armrick Development, an entity led by former AFL player Scott Crow.
Under the reworked scheme designed by Plus Studio, the proposed tower’s height has been slashed by 25.7m—compressing it to 26 storeys—and its yield reduced to 139 apartments.
Overall, it would deliver a mix of 96 two-bedroom and 43 three-bedroom units—with all the previous one-bedroom and four-bedroom options removed.
According to a planning report prepared by Gold Coast-based Urban Planning Services, the latest significant changes were needed to ensure the financial viability of the site’s development.
In particular, it cited the removal of three basement levels as “enabling the development to become feasible given significant cost escalation”.
As a result, parking has been relocated to a four-level podium and single basement level that would provide 181 car spaces—almost 100 less than the previously approved 277 spaces.
The revised podium is to be wrapped in cascading subtropical landscaping designed by LDG Landscape Architects to soften its interface with the street.
Topping the podium on level 4, a recreation deck spanning more than 1000sq m would feature an outdoor pool, spa, cold plunge, sauna and steam room, gym, yoga deck, residents’ lounge and a pickleball court.
To offset the loss of height, the typical floorplate size of the tower rising from the podium has been expanded to 872sq m (excluding balconies) and highly articulated to reduce perceived bulk.
Three alternating slab profiles have been introduced to evoke the wave-like horizontal movement of the ocean.
“The tower's fluid movement expresses the rhythm of surrounding landscapes while respecting appropriate setbacks and site cover,” the documents said.
Meanwhile, UAE-based developer Arada has put its foot on a Broadbeach development site and is planning a $2-billion dual-tower development as its Queensland debut.
The proposed towers risisng 62 and 55 storeys would deliver 952 apartments opposite the Gold Coast Convention and Exhibition Centre.
Nearby, longstanding Gold Coast developer Raptis has officially completed The Sterling—a 24-storey storey tower comprising 90 luxury apartments at 6-8 George Avenue.
