Hybrid Hostel Plans Greenlit for Surfers Paradise

A self-described “hybrid accommodation” provider has been given the green light to expand its flexible-use, resort-style model to Surfers Paradise.

Bounce has a vision to create “an affordable, world-class hostel”.

The Gold Coast City Council’s nod for the seven-storey project will enable it to replace an existing backpacker hostel and 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, students … 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 in Queensland at Noosa and Cairns.

Its short-term accommodation and rooming accommodation application was lodged in February by an entity linked to co-directors Mark Baldwin and Gerardo Incollingo as well as landowner 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 documents 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 backpackers, hospitality workers, tourists, locals, the homeless and other people in need of accommodation.”

▲ A render of the hybrid hostel approved for the site at 4-10 Pine Avenue, Surfers Paradise.

The scheme designed by Spatium Architects comprises 101 accommodation rooms ranging from 1 to 10-bed configurations.

It also features 1075sq m of communal recreation space and facilities, 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.

“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.”