New plan in revival of arcade
A BOLD, alternative plan for the multimillion-dollar redevelopment of the historic old Burleigh Arcade has been pitched in a bid to preserve the area’s history.
Just a week remains until public comment closes on the dramatic transformation of the existing landmark put forward by developer Weiya Holdings.
The Sydney-based company wants to build the DeLuxe apartments, a 14-storey, 36-unit complex named for the old cinema that was once housed in the arcade.
But a group of Gold Coasters opposed to the project has lodged an alternative proposal as part of the submission process, arguing the Weiya project is not in keeping with the suburb’s character.
Spokeswoman Nicolle Archer said the application was “the first time a repurposing and redevelopment of a heritage building of this magnitude has been proposed” in the city.
She argued it required extraordinary consideration of many factors including the building’s heritage listing and its importance to the cultural fabric of the city.
“Rather than simply offering the standard objection to the DA, a group of Gold Coast residents have come together to develop an alternative design,” she said.
“Our reproposal is a concept plan to create a true cultural hub in order to protect and enhance the building’s landmark and iconic status.
“There is a unique opportunity for this site to maximise social and economic benefits and we encourage the site owners and government to seek a public-private collaborative vision to enable for the best outcomes for all stakeholders.”
The alternative proposal is still focused around a residential accommodation tower being built on the site and preserving the arcade’s shell. It would include a theatre, art gallery, bar and dining.
Ms Archer said the project would “reflect Old Burleigh
Theatre Arcade’s past as a place for entertainment and gathering”.
“The aesthetic of reproposal’s design aspires to conform to local character and ensure preservation of the building’s distinct streetscape elements,” she said.
Public comment on Weiya Holdings’ proposed development closes on December 18 and the project will go before councillors in early 2021.
Wei Wang, head of Weiya Holdings, said in July that the project’s design would honour “the cultural significance of the Old Burleigh Theatre”.
Weiya bought the site for $18.5 million and in August 2019 announced plans for a 14-storey luxury apartment tower with a new arcade at its base. The design was revamped after community outrage that the 1950s-era facade would be lost.
The Queensland Heritage Council did not accept a council application for the arcade to be heritage-listed on the basis that it had already been heavily redeveloped several times, most recently in 1977, and that nothing remained from the original 1930s building.