Sherpa Adds Palm Beach Tower to $1bn Pipeline

Prolific Gold Coast developer Christie Leet’s Sherpa Property Group has pitched plans for its sixth apartment tower in the beachside renewal hotspot of Palm Beach.

The latest proposed development would further pad out a workbook of projects already valued at more than $1 billion.

During the past three years, Sherpa has delivered three projects at Palm Beach and has two more under construction. 

To be known as Flourish Ovana, the latest scheme is for a 12-storey tower comprising 102 units plus 596sq m of ground-floor commercial space and a rooftop with resort-style recreation amenities.

It is earmarked for a 1806sq m site at 1150-1154 Gold Coast Highway and 3 Sixth Avenue.

The proposal follows the successful launch of Flourish on Sixth, the nearby development debut of Sherpa’s residential brand that generated $110 million in sales.

Upscaled plans for the project were lodged last November in the wake of an unrelated court ruling that deemed increased building heights “the natural order of change” at Palm Beach.

Increasing its initial tower scheme by five storeys, the green light was given to the 18-storey, 125 unit development earlier this month.

“The strong take up of sales at Sherpa’s Flourish on Sixth project has indicated the market demand for diverse housing stock in a well-located area,” a planning report said.

▲ A rendering of Sherpa’s 12-storey tower proposed for the corner site at 1150-1154 Gold Coast Highway and 3 Sixth Avenue, Palm Beach.

HAL Architects has been tapped again to design its sister project.

“The tower design consists of sweeping curves that generate shadow play and provide visual interest,” the documents said. “These curves are replicated in the podium design in order to create visual cohesion between the podium and tower.

“The development has a strong focus on landscaping at ground and in the podium to soften the appearance of the building and present a high quality appearance to the public realm.”

Under the plans, a mix of 11 one-bedroom, 57 two-bedroom, 30, three-bedroom and 4 four-bedroom apartments would be accommodated across levels 2 to 12 of the podium and tower, sitting above four levels of basement parking for 197 vehicles.

▲ Renderings of the HAL Architects designed tower proposed for Palm Beach.

Overall, the proposed development also provides 946sq m of communal open space spanning level 12 and the rooftop—including a wellness retreat, pool and deck, foreepit terrace, hot and cold plunge pools, barbecue/outdoor dining area and landscaped seating nooks.

“This new project gives us the opportunity to extend our vision, ensuring Flourish Ovana integrates seamlessly with Flourish on Sixth,” Sherpa’s Christie Leet said. 

“Our vision for Flourish Ovana is to cater to a broad market—from first-home buyers and local rightsizers to savvy investors.

“And the ground floor retail offering will be a game-changer for Palm Beach, bringing everyday convenience to the heart of the community while delivering streetscape renewal and activation.”