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Self-described “hybrid accommodation” provider Bounce has filed plans to bring its flexible-use, resort-style model to Surfers Paradise.
The seven-storey proposal would replace an existing backpacker hostel and a small block of flats in the Budds Beach enclave.
According to a planning report, it would not only cater for backpackers and tourists but also “hospitality workers, locals, the homeless and other people in need of accommodation”.
The development is earmarked for an amalgamated 1848sq m site at 4-10 Pine Avenue.
Bounce owns and operates two properties, at Noosa and Cairns, and its website lists another as “coming soon”.
Its short-term accommodation and rooming accommodation application has been lodged with the Gold Coast City Council by an entity linked to co-directors Mark Baldwin, Gerardo Incollingo and Warwick Fordham.
“By including the rooming accommodation land use, the proposal allows for longer term guests who may be in need of affordable, centrally located accommodation,” the report said.
“The proposal directly responds to the housing supply crisis by providing an alternative to dwelling supply through a number of bedrooms with flexibility to be accommodated as short or longer-term stays.
“In doing so, the proposal supports the immediate Surfers Paradise CBD and offers a significant boost in affordable accommodation options for backpacker’s, hospitality workers, tourists, locals, the homeless and other people in need of accommodation.”
The scheme designed by Spatium Architects comprises 102 accommodation rooms ranging from 1 to 12-bed configurations.
It also features 1075sq m of communal recreation space and facilities across the proposed building, including an entry courtyard, lobby and cafe, gym, TV lounge and communal dining area, co-working spaces as well as a rooftop pool terrace, bar and entertainment area.
Parking for 28 cars and 25 bicycles is also incorporated in the plans.
The design—featuring breeze blocks and off-form concrete—reinforced the coastal character of the area with a vision to “creating an affordable, world-class hostel”, the documents said.
“Recent development trends in the city have focused on exclusive high-end residential apartment developments which tend to reduce opportunities for more affordable short-term accommodation projects,” an architectural statement said.
“This is a rare situation where a client is prepared to redevelop and expand an existing hostel operation on the site rather than maximising the development potential of the property with yet another tall luxury apartment tower.
“This approach ensures that an idyllic spot on the Gold Coast is preserved to give budget travellers access to our beautiful city and showcase the Gold Coast to local as well as international visitors and in the process supporting the tourism industry.”
Meanwhile, hospitality giant EVT has submitted plans to expand its new next-gen, budget pod hotel concept to the Glitter Strip.
It would be EVT’s second Lylo-branded hotel in Australia following its coming debut in Brisbane’s Fortitude Valley.
The four-storey, beach shack-inspired scheme designed by Rothelowman accommodates 121 pod and micro king, queen and family rooms across its three upper levels
It also features a lobby, pool deck, veranda, food and drink outlet, self-catering kitchen, communal dining area and guest laundry—all on the ground floor.
The application said the proposal “seeks to refine the ‘backpacker’ experience by combining the relaxed, beach shack charm of the Gold Coast with a generous eye for life and considered sustainability initiatives”.
It would be co-located with the group’s 5-star QT Hotel at Staghorn Avenue, Surfers Paradise—replacing two tennis courts and a hardstand area spanning 2595sq m that front Ferny Avenue on the western side of the existing hotel site.
