Controversial Surfers Paradise highrise gets green light

A CONTROVERSIAL $200 million Surfers Paradise highrise has been approved despite a push from residents and a pro-development councillor to can the project.

The 44-storey Wharf Road tower from developer Golden Gate went before the council’s planning committee yesterday when it was given the green light.

In a surprise move, prodevelopment councillor Paul Taylor was the only person to speak against the tower and said he held concerns about high-density building on the beachfront.

“It is a magnificently designed building but in my opinion it does not belong on that beachfront site so close to Breakers North,” he said.

The project will go before a full council meeting next week when it is expected to be approved. City planning boss Cr Cameron Caldwell said it would help revitalise the southern Surfers Paradise beachfront alongside the Jewel towers.