Sea Glass: DVB Broadbeach tower to begin construction after years of delays and legal battles

An ultra-luxury Gold Coast tower which was at the centre of a long-running legal battle between its developer and the council is about to take a big step forward. Read about the latest update here.

Construction is set to begin on a high-end Broadbeach complex after years of wrangling about its future.

Developer DVB has tapped Hutchinsons to build the 26-storey Sea Glass tower on First Ave.

With more than half the 29 ultra-luxury units in the tower sold, developer Dean Brown said ground would soon break on the project, which he expected to complete by late 2027.

“Hutchinson Builders brings with them a stellar track record of delivering high-rise developments across the Gold Coast, and their involvement ensures Sea Glass will be brought to life to the highest quality standards,” he said.

Artist impression of Sea Glass at Broadbeach. Picture: File

“The level of craftsmanship and attention to detail in Sea Glass sets it apart.

“We believe it will be one of the most luxurious residential offerings currently available on the Gold Coast.”

The move comes after DVB spent years engaged in a legal battle with the Gold Coast City Council to get the project approved.

Council argued Sea Glass would cast too big a shadow on nearby unit blocks and rejected the development application in 2021.

The matter was brought to the Planning and Environment Court which overruled council’s refusal at a cost of $2m for DVB.

Artist impression of Sea Glass at Broadbeach. Picture: File

The council knock-back to DVB’s plans was based, in part, on effects such as shadowing that the planned high-rise would have on six-floor block Bedarra on its southern boundary in Old Burleigh Rd.

Planning court judge Nicole Kefford visited the Sea Glass site during the appeal hearing and later said there already were sizeable shadows caused by other buildings and by vegetation such as Norfolk Pines.

Councillors voted in January 2023 to go to the Court of Appeal to challenge the ruling but the project was eventually greenlit.

Dean Brown of DVB. Picture: File

Mr Brown said the project had been refined during the battle.

“While the delay was frustrating, it did give us valuable time to collaborate closely with our architects and consultants. We’re now entering delivery with a deeply resolved design and clear construction plan,” he said.

“In today’s construction climate, securing a builder of Hutchies’ calibre is no small feat.

“We are thrilled to have partnered with such a respected and experienced team.

“Hutchinson Builders brings with them a stellar track record of delivering high-rise developments across the Gold Coast, and their involvement ensures Sea Glass will be brought to life to the highest quality standards.”

Originally published as Sea Glass: DVB Broadbeach tower to begin construction after years of delays and legal battles