The heart of Southport is set to gain an eight-level apartment building worth $12 million.
This development is the first project to be given a fast-track approval by Gold Coast Council since the State Government accorded the suburb Priority Development Area status.
The building is set to rise in Lenneberg St and is being undertaken by Merrimac-based construction company Rawcorp which has just completed siteworks, including the removal of a house.
The project is the first in the CBD for Rawcorp which aims to deliver within-reach, high-quality housing, with units expected to be priced between $350,000 and $420,000.
A sod turning ceremony for the project took place last week, to mark the start of construction.
Mayor Tom Tate said the project not only was the first to be approved by the council after Southport was declared a Priority Development Area, but also was “the first to begin construction and will be the first to be completed”.
“The development is a great example of a Gold Coast business having a go and supporting well over 100 local jobs,” he said
“The council pushed strongly for Priority Development Area status, so I am pleased to see yet another positive sign of the improvement in business confidence in Southport.
“The project is a signal to everyone that the Gold Coast is a city that is open for business.
“I look forward to seeing many more developments come on stream shortly, ensuring Southport grows as a vibrant and dynamic business district offering more jobs, better services and a great urban lifestyle.”
Southport Councillor Dawn Crichlow said the project was a “terrific development in a great location”.
“It will introduce more people to central Southport and further help to activate the area,” she said.
Rawcorp development manager Dan Rogers said the approval process had taken 60 days and was “indicative of what can be done when there is a will to achieve outcomes”.
“The way the project has been expedited is a real feather in its cap for the council,” he said.
The Priority Development Area scheme took effect on November 1 and the approval was granted in late December.
The apartment building is earmarked for a 1012sq m site at 43 Lenneberg St, next to The Anglers Arms hotel, which fronts Queen St.
Rawcorp bought the property through company Lenneberg Living in May last year for $915,000.
The building will comprise 30 two-bedroom lift-access apartments, feature a rooftop garden with barbecue facilities and have parking for 31 vehicles.
It has been designed by Hamilton Hayes Henderson Architects for permanent living and has strong lines and an appealing ambience.
“Now that we have removed the house and completed siteworks we can move on with construction of the building,” Mr Rogers said.
“We expect to complete the project by the end of the year. We chose the site because we like its proximity to Southport’s business district and to the city’s light-rail system whose Southport station is on the doorstep.”
Mr Rogers said the site sits within Southport’s garden precinct, where the council requires a strong focus on landscaping and greenery.
Original article published at www.goldcoastbulletin.com.au by Martin Rasini, Gold Coast Bulletin 7/3/2014