Plans Filed for 46-Storey Broadbeach Tower

Brisbane-based developer Ferro Property Group is planning a 46-storey residential tower across the road from one of the Gold Coast’s most popular bowls clubs.

It is earmarked for a 1283sq m site on the corner of Old Burleigh Road and Armrick Avenue, a block away from the beach and directly opposite the heritage-listed Broadbeach Bowls Club.

But despite the tall and slender design of the tower, the development application lodged with the Gold Coast City Council conceded it “will have shadow impacts for non-residential uses located nearby”.

“These impacts are not substantial in nature or inconsistent with those which exist in the local area or which are anticipated within the city plan within the High Density Residential Zone and unrestricted building height designation for the site,” it said.

“Specifically, the shadow impacts to the Broadbeach Bowls Club are an inevitability of this community recreation and sports facility’s location within an area primarily zoned as High Density Residential.

“Further, the shadow impacts to Broadbeach Park are contained to select times of day and seasons.”

The site at 99-101 Old Burleigh Road is currently occupied by a three-storey walk-up block of units, a fish and chip shop, liquor store and popular local cafe Lolas.

According to Urbis’ town planning report, a replacement for the existing cafe is in the plans but it will be smaller.

“The existing store and cafe have been an integral part of the community, and the street corner food and beverages tenancy on the ground floor aims to enhance and contribute to existing local leisure and lifestyle,” it said.

Designed by Ferro Chow Architecture, the proposal for the 159m-tall tower includes 59 one-, two-, three- and four-bedroom apartments with a third-level communal recreational area with a pool, deck and gym.

“Old Burleigh Road is a street lined with Norfolk pine trees,” the report said. “The dark bark texture of the tree trunks gives this particular side of Broadbeach a characteristic that sets it aside from the rest of the region.

“The bold lines and colours throughout the tower reference aspects of placemaking connecting Old Burleigh Road to Broadbeach Boulevard.

“Stone finishes enrich the look of the podium, creating an earthy atmosphere for visitors and passers-by alike.

“Surrounding pine trees serve as the main inspiration for the form of the building, while cascading edges of the podium are in reference to the layers and curves of sandstone.

“The dark facades on the east and south allude once more to the natural qualities of the pine trees and a synergy inspired by the strength and power of nature in architecture.”

Planter boxes that double as sun-hoods are “a direct response to the climate of the site”.

Another Brisbane-based developer, Turrisi Properties, has plans for a smaller residential tower also on a site neighbouring the Broadbeach Bowls Club. Its proposal is for a 22-storey development at 9-11 Armrick Avenue.