Skinny ‘Mini High-Rise’ Planned for Coolangatta

A skinny, mini high-rise proposal with four double-level apartments has been filed for a beachfront site across the road from a world-renowned Gold Coast surf break.

Rising to 37.5m—only 0.5m under the prescribed height limit—the 10-storey tower would have unimpeded views of the coastline from the famed Snapper Rocks to Surfers Paradise.

The boutique tower is earmarked for a narrow, rectangular 422sq m site at 202 Marine Parade, Coolangatta, and has been lodged by property owners Paul and Cecilia Malouf, and David and Darlene Willoughby.

The scheme designed by Raunik Architects would replace Pacific View, a 1960s two-storey block of six flats.

“Several sites in the area have been redeveloped in recent years or are currently being redeveloped with multi storey and modern designs taking form over existing housing and apartment stock,” a planning assessment report said.

It noted that although the proposal was “downplaying the current developed outcome of six units” the number of bedroom would be increased from 12 to 16 across “a more desirable and larger unit floor plate and product to the dated [existing] apartment building”. 

The tower plan comprises four four-bedroom, four-bathroom apartments across levels 3 to 10, above a two-level podium with parking for nine vehicles utilising car stackers.

“Each of the four units are two levels, with large open voids creating a spacious and generously open layout,” the development application said.

A communal rooftop recreational terrace spanning 146sq m would cap the tower “to encapsulate the exceptional location, views/outlooks, sunlight and fresh air”.

“While only comprising four units and offering ample private outdoor recreation via north facing balconies, level 11 contains a large communal open space for the enjoyment of all residents,” the documents said.

“This includes pool, bathroom facilities, barbeque, outdoor dining and lounge, with an observation deck that captures the exceptional views of Snapper Rocks and Rainbow Bay and long views of the Gold Coast skyline to the north and Tweed coastline and hinterland to the south.” 

The site’s 10.5m frontage to Marine Parade is opposite the Snapper Rocks Road intersection, which accesses the Rainbow Bay Surf Club and beach.

“The proposal provides a contemporary and sophisticated design that responds to the narrow site dimension while drawing on the site’s natural context, including Snapper Rocks, the beach and the substantial vegetation of the Rainbow Bay foreshore and Greenmount Hill,” the DA said.

“The floorplate is oriented toward the ocean to provide residents with unimpeded views of the coastline at each level and to mitigate privacy conflicts between the existing neighbouring and future redevelopment sites.”

Earlier this year, plans for a slender seven-storey beachfront abode were lodged for a 597sq m beachfront block at 67 Jefferson Lane, Palm Beach.

According to planning documents lodged with the Gold Coast City Council, it would comprise a six-bedroom, 963sq m primary residence, 78sq m secondary home, 45sq m home office with a boardroom and a car lift to garage six cars on-site.