Drift home to Main Beach

WHEN Dean Gallagher was looking to downsize from Sorrento to the beachfront, he couldn’t find anything that he felt fit the brief. So, as a second-generation developer, he decided to build it himself.

His 30 years’ experience working under the GDI Group banner combined with a passion for design and an eye for perfection has resulted in Drift, a 30-level DA approved tower at 16-18 Hughes Avenue, on which construction is set to start next month.

Although not on absolute beachfront, the tower of 46 apartments will have views spanning from Surfers Paradise to The Spit, across The Broadwater and to the Pacific Ocean.

“We didn’t want to be on the beachfront due to the elements and the limited scope to use your balconies,” Mr Gallagher said.

“This site caught my eye because it faces due north and there is no other land to the north that’s available to develop.”

Broadbeach-based Plus Architecture was behind the project’s design, which has a strong focus on natural materials and resort-style amenities.

An infinity-edge lap pool finished in glass and cantilevered over the front of the building will create visual drama, as will custom-made fluted panelling, backlit at night.

The Residence Collection (prices from $2.595m) are on levels 3 to 22, where each floor delivers two 262sq m apartments, each with three ensuite bedrooms, spacious living areas and north-facing balconies.

Levels 23 to 27 are devoted form the Penthouse Collection (from $8.59m), which is made up of 531sq m, whole-floor apartments, one of which Mr Gallagher has reserved for himself to live in.

These sky homes have four ensuite bedrooms, a media room, office and indoor and outdoor living spaces that extend to wraparound north-facing balconies.

The tower’s crowning glory is a 1,019sq m penthouse spread over two levels and carrying a $19.5m price tag.

It extends to five ensuite bedrooms and a private rooftop terrace with a built-in barbecue kitchen and plunge pool.

All residents have private parking in the basement, which has number plate recognition and provision for electric vehicle charging, above car storage, and lockable storage rooms, while a dedicated business meeting room with bathroom facilities are a practical addition on level one.

“We’ve included absolutely everything that you would expect to find in a high-end home,” Mr Gallagher said.

“Finishes and fixtures that would be considered upgrades in other developments are included as standard in Drift.”

An entire level is devoted to resident well-being and recreation with exclusive access to a heated pool and magnesium spa, a cold therapy pool, Infra-red sauna and steam room.

Residents will also benefit from a fully equipped gym, yoga centre and massage rooms. An outdoor barbecue area and lounge with fireplace are ideal for entertaining friends and family.

About 55 per cent of the project has already been sold with sales being handled through Corey Gilmore and Duncan McInnes of Kollosche. The project is scheduled to be completed in 2024.