‘Affordable Highrise’ Plans Filed for Southport CBD

Plans for a 31-storey “affordable highrise” have been filed for the Southport CBD skyline on the Gold Coast. Earmarked for a vacant 1340sq m corner site at 30 Lawson and 9-11 High streets, the proposal comprises 157 residential and short-term accommodation units. Property records show the holding within Southport’s designated Priority Development Area changed hands for $3.4 million in September last year. The development application has been lodged by a Sydney-based entity linked to Chun Ho Wong. Under the scheme designed by Hamilton Hayes Henderson Architects, the tower, accommodating a mix of 27 one-bedroom, 79 two-bedroom and 51 three-bedroom apartments, would sit above a four-level podium and two-level basement. An activated ground floor “delivers a CBD intensity by including a commercial tenancy interfacing with the street”. Touted as “a quality example of an attractive and affordable, mixed-use high-rise”, the contemporary design features earth color palette, perforated panels and floorplates with curved edges. “The proposed tower will positively contribute to Southport’s skyline,” a planning report said. “The design of the development is well-conceived, balancing a quality architectural outcome with housing supply and affordability. “The intent of the proposal is to deliver an attractive high-rise development which supports the provision of additional housing supply and diversity for the local area.” ▲ Renders of the 31-storey residential and short-term accommodation tower proposed for the site at 30 Lawson and 9-11 High streets at Southport. According to the report, the tower’s considered design is aligned with the PDA’s intended high density residential outcomes and will “allow for the timely and feasible delivery of an affordable housing project”. “A key aspect of the proposal’s affordability and feasibility relates to the ability of the development to accommodate its supply of car parking across four storeys of podium—negating the need to provide more than two levels of basement,” it said. “Such an outcome has a substantial impact on the project’s viability and will ensure the affordability of the units for future residents.” As well, it noted the proposed development’s “flexibility between permanent and short-term accommodation options allows for an affordable housing supply to be delivered and also contributes to tourism and entertainment within the CBD”. The tower’s communal open space is to be provided on levels 4 and the rooftop— including a barbecue area, pool and deck terrace, sauna, gym and several landscaped seating spaces. Carparking for 65 vehicles will be accommodated across the basement and podium levels. Projects put forward for Southport, considered the commercial heart of the Gold Coast in some circles, have been nothing if not diverse of late. In November midrise apartment plans targeting lower-income households were pitched to help address the city’s “unprecedented housing supply shortage”. The five-storey infill proposal would comprise 20 one and two-bedroom apartments.. It has been lodged by QAH Consulting for a 1012sq m site at 29 Minnie Street, which was acquired in March of last year for $1.6 million. In August, a 1960s-era Southport motel was scooped up by Malaysian conglomerate MRCB as it eyed a second Glitter Strip development. The company acquired the Sundale Motel at 20 Queen Street and plans a “high-quality” apartment project. It came on the back of MRCB’s $500-million 26 Vista project at Surfers Paradise. And in October Eureka Group revealed plans for a seniors living build-to-rent tower within the Southport priority development area. Touted as the first retirement facility proposed within the PDA since it was declared more than a decade ago, it is earmarked for a 2327sq m site at the corner of Meron and Lather streets, which Eureka acquired in 2016 for $2.75 million. The ASX-listed seniors living owner and operator plans an 11-storey tower comprising 153 build-to-rent independent living units.

‘Affordable Highrise’ Plans Filed for Southport CBD

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