Gold Coast housing crisis: Developer Robert Badalotti reveals ways of creating more units

Longer construction hours, incentives and reduced infrastructure charges have been pitched by a leading developer as the solution to the Gold Coast housing crisis. FIND OUT WHY

Longer construction hours, incentives and reduced infrastructure charges have been pitched by a leading developer as the solution to the Gold Coast housing crisis.

Southport-based Azzura boss Robert Badalotti is calling for reform around the development sector, saying it was critical to get more housing into the market.

Fresh from completing the first tower of his Imperial Square development on Meron St, Mr Badalotti is preparing to break ground on the second stage but says other developers need to follow in his footsteps to relieve pressure on the market.

Developer Robert Badalotti. Picture Glenn Hampson

The 70-year-old’s suggestions include:

* Deletion or reduction of infrastructure charges;

* Council and state governments freeing up public land for development;

* More tax incentives;

* Fast-tracking and streamlining the development application process;

* Extending construction hours from 6am to 6pm and;

* Reducing stamp duty for up to four years for apartment sales.

Mr Badalotti said relief for the industry would allow more projects to be brought to the market faster.

“You should be able to have double shifts and should be able to extend some hours,” he said.

“They start at 6am and finish at 3pm but there’s still another three or four hours of daylight and we are wasting them.

“Everyone is going home at 3pm but they really knock off at 1.30 and pack up their tools.

“You’re lucky to get five or six hours out of subcontractors, though they work hard, we support them.

“If we can incentivise developers, that would make the feasibility (of the projects) a bit stronger.”

Mayor Tom Tate, who earlier this year praised Mr Badalotti’s attitude towards development, said a review of the Planning Scheme would look at dealing with issues facing the sector.

“The city is currently undertaking a comprehensive review of our Planning Scheme, so we welcome feedback and input,” he said.

“All sectors of the industry, as well as the general public, will have ample opportunities to engage with the Council on their ideas.”

Artist impression of Monarch Place. The developer is now changing its design. Picture: Supplied.

It comes as Mr Badalotti revamps the proposal for his Imperial Square project.

The second tower, approved for 40 levels, will now be 22 storeys, with the developer also abandoning basement levels in favour of a carpark inside its podium levels.

“Most of the sales which have already occurred were at the 22 level and the higher ones have been slow,” he said.

“We are making some strong changes, we’ll put the parking on levels two, three and four.

“We are trying to deliver the product faster and within two years.

“It’s about cost and time and the longer you are out there, the more expensive.”

Mr Badalotti says he is still passionate about the centrepiece of the project, the Majesty, a 108-storey tower to become both Australia and the Southern Hemisphere’s tallest tower.

Originally published as Gold Coast housing crisis: Developer Robert Badalotti reveals ways of creating more units