Towers have powers all but persuaded
ONE of the southern Gold Coast’s most controversial developments is expected to be approved this morning despite oppostion from residents.
Developer Sunland’s bid to transform the former Palm Beach caravan park into two 12-storey apartment towers, six terrace houses, shops and a huge park open to the public will go before the Gold Coast City Council’s planning committee today.
The Magnoli Aparments
project has been subject to strong opposition from residents concerned about it exceeding the area’s sevenstorey height limit and the effect on traffic.
“They are worried about
the height, density and a number of issues relating to the impact on traffic,” said area councillor Daphne McDonald about the 40 objections to the project.
“Certainly these types of development are of great concern because across the city we are seeing greater height, density and site coverage. Perhaps we need stronger representation at the state level.”
However, Sunland Group managing director Sahba Abedian said the buildings cover less than 25 per cent of the site and would revitalise Palm Beach by providing new facilities for residents.
“Our vision for Magnoli Apartments is to integrate two boutique apartment buildings within the site, featuring generous landscaped setbacks from the Gold Coast Highway and Brooke Avenue, a large community park, and 380sq m of retail and commercial space,” he said. “The retail area is intended as a parkfront restaurant or cafe amenity for Palm Beach residents, providing an opportunity for families to enjoy the open space while enjoying a meal or coffee.
“The mid-rise apartment buildings will feature expansive vertical planting along the corridors and balconies, creating the effect of a cascading urban garden and adding landscape to the facade.”