103-storey whopper to win backing

A BUILDING set to be the tallest in the Southern Hemisphere at a whopping 103storeys is expected to get approval by the Gold Coast City Council’s planning committee this morning.

The $1.2 billion Orion Towers project is slated to built on a Surfers Paradise Blvd site between Enderley and Markwell avenues.

The 1127-unit development was submitted to council late last year by Melbourne-based the Orion International Group.

The Bulletin understands council officers have recommended approval of the project which includes two supertower mixed-used sky scrapers, the tallest a whopping 328m or 103 storeys.

The taller tower would dwarf the second building planned at just 76-storeys.

Part of the council recommendations include removing two levels of parking, a recommendation which is expected to be contested by a number of councillors in the committee due to the premiums placed on parking.

The committee is also expected to approve the $440 million hotel proposed by Aquis Australia for Main Beach Pde, Surfers Paradise.