Grand plans grind to halt

August 2015. At the time the tower was unveiled, Newcastle developer John Byrnes was named as a partner in the project.

Initially Grand Central was to offer a first for Gold Coast high rises – dedicated floors for students, separate floors of serviced apartments for shortstay visitors, and 33 levels of residential apartments.

Later the plan was amended, with 214 hotel rooms replacing the student rooms and serviced apartments.

Lawyer Mr Roddenby and developer Mr Byrnes last year became involved in two other Gold Coast property plays.

A former nightclub property in Orchid Ave, Surfers Paradise, was bought for $8.8 million.

A waterfront site on Hope Island was bought for $16.5 million for house and apartment development.

The Grand Central tower that was to soar above all other buildings in Southport has run off the rails