Alfred’s Apartment: Former Mermaid Beach cafe location on light rail route to be auctioned

The prominent former location of a popular Mermaid Beach cafe is on the verge of a big change which would see the light rail route site transformed. FIND OUT MORE

A former beach shack turned popular eatery near a major shopping centre redevelopment will go under the hammer next week.

The two-storey Gold Coast Highway building was once the home of Alfred’s Apartment coffee shop and clothing business and will be auctioned on July 16 by Coastal Commercial’s Jared Johnson and Andrew Henderson.

It sits a short distance from the Mermaid Village complex, which is set for a dramatic redevelopment to create The Alfred, a mixed-use residential and retail precinct.

Alfred’s Apartment at Mermaid Beach

Mr Johnson said property along the light rail route, which will become operational in mid-2026, was selling at a premium amid significant interest from the market.

“We’ve had a surge of early interest from local and interstate developers who recognise the strategic opportunity this site presents,” he said.

“With The Alfred and other major projects transforming the suburb, it’s the kind of property that’s getting harder to find and the inquiry level reflects that.

Alfred’s Apartment at Mermaid Beach

“With the Gold Coast Light Rail extension progressing, many of the conversations we are having with developers is the opportunity to capitalise on future connectivity.”

Mr Johnson said he expected to see more new developments occurring along the light rail route in coming months.

“The zoning, beachside positioning and proximity to major transport infrastructure make it a standout for mixed use or residential projects,” he said.

“Mermaid Beach continues to experience unprecedented demand.

Alfred’s Apartment at Mermaid Beach

“I believe it’s a mix of lifestyle appeal, limited supply, and a wealthy demographic that makes this location a magnet for quality projects – and this site sits right at the heart of it.”

The Mermaid Beach parcel is 824sq m and is being marketed as a “strategically positioned blue-chip site”.

The Alfred development was unveiled in May by developer Daniel Veitch who bought the site earlier this year for $26m.

According to plans lodged with council, much of the complex, which sits about 100m from the under-construction Mermaid Beach South light rail station, will be retained with the unit block built on top.

Ed Hatcher, inside the building when it was known as Alfred’s Apartment. Picture Glenn Hampson

However two other buildings – containing Bistro Lamp Japanese Restaurant, Night Owl and Cheese Me Baby cafe – will be demolished.

Designed by BDA Architecture and J.AR, the seven-storey building will have 80 units for a total of 150 bedrooms.

A planning report lodged with council reveals Mr Veitch’s vision to create a “landmark” destination on the light rail route.

“The project offers the opportunity to redefine the existing Mermaid Beach neighbourhood centre and create a mixed-use destination,” the report reads.

“An opportunity exists to create a flagship mixed-use development that redefines the urban experience along the Gold Coast Highway.”

Originally published as Alfred’s Apartment: Former Mermaid Beach cafe location on light rail route to be auctioned