HPI gets nod for Ferry Rd development
LISTED group Hotel Property Investments, stymied over plans for a one-tenant office building next to its Ferry Road Tavern in Southport, has won approval for a replacement project – a retail showroom.
HPI managing director Don Smith yesterday said a leasing campaign was under way for the single-level building, which would front Cotlew St East.
He said HPI was looking for up to four tenants and hoped to start construction in the first half of 2020.
The company has been working for some time on development plans for the 3025sq m site, part of a larger HPI property that also houses a service station and other food and retail outlets.
The land is zoned as a mixed-use fringe business precinct and in 2016 was approved for a building with three showrooms and a cafe.
HPI later changed tack when a business employing 80 people wanted a single-level office building for its 80 staff.
The city council last year refused to allow the 1200sq m building to go ahead and HPI unsuccessfully appealed to the Planning and Environment Court.
The court backed an assertion by council officers that the city plan sought to ensure large offices were located within designated centres.
Last week the city council agreed to HPI’s new plan.
Geoff Swemmer, of Chateaux Commercial, yesterday said the 900sq m building offered size flexibility.
“We expect a wide range of business to show interest, given the location,” he said.
“We’re quite open minded and would look at things such as indoor recreation or a medical centre.
“We’d like things that add to the area and surrounding businesses.”
Mr Swemmer, who said a lease to a single tenant would be considered, said HPI was seeking $350 a square metre, plus outgoings, for the space.
HPI owns 41 hotels around Australia, including the Wallaby at Mudgeeraba and the Coomera Lodge.