Shen-Lan Group: Developer unveils plans for two-tower project in Surfers Paradise

A Chinese-linked developer is reviving plans for a giant two-tower development on a long-empty site in the heart of Surfers Paradise. SEE THE PLANS

A Chinese-linked developer is reviving plans for a giant two-tower development in the heart of Surfers Paradise.

Shen-Lan Group, formerly Sunnyland Group, have unveiled plans for a 5015 sqm site fronting River Terrance and Remembrance Drive which will see it transformed, with a 53-storey supertower and 41-storey high-rise.

According to fresh plans lodged with the Gold Coast City Council, it will have 430 residential units and a 232-room hotel.

Artist impression of a proposed two tower development in Surfers Paradise proposed by Sheng-Lan Group, formerly Sunnyland Group. Picture: Supplied

The developer told council it has revived the project and altered its design to make it more feasible, comparative to the previous project which was approved in 2018.

“While the entire development has been redesigned as part of detailed investigations into construction costs, the primary change from the previous approval is the introduction of additional above-ground podium carparking levels and the removal of all basement carparking levels, which is a change essential to the viability of the project,” a report lodged with council reads.

“The proposal is divided into two distinct stages that each contain a separate tower and are visually connected via the podium structure, noting that each stage has been designed to function independently.

Artist impression of a proposed two tower development in Surfers Paradise proposed by Sheng-Lan Group, formerly Sunnyland Group. Picture: Supplied

“Despite effectively being two separate developments, the design ensures that a cohesive character outcome will be achieved across the entire site following the completion of both stages.”

The first stage of the project built will be the 41-storey tower, which will have “a mix of a branded hotel suites and residential apartments” as well as restaurants, function centres and bars.

“Stage 2 is located within the northern portion of the site and contains a 53-storey tower that is entirely comprised of residential apartments with ground floor retail tenancies provided adjacent to the northern boundary.”

The site has sat vacant for nearly two decades.

It was once earmarked as the site of a 30-storey, 197 unit project which failed to proceed following the Global Financial Crisis in 2008.

The developer, when it was known as Sunnyland Gorup, previously unveiled plans in July 2017 for a two-tower mixed-use complex rising 48 and 36 storeys over the Nerang River, which would have created an “entrance statement” at the southern end of Surfers Paradise.

It was to have a total of 653 units across its two towers, with 400 for short-term accommodation and 213 set aside for long-term or permanent residents.

It was welcomed at the time by then-city planning boss Cameron Caldwell who told the Bulletin in 2017 the development was “well positioned and, if approved, would compliment the Gold Coast skyline”.

The latest proposal comes amid fears the city will lose the record number of cranes in the sky unless more projects are made feasible.

City planning boss Cr Mark Hammel said recently a large number of the towers which had been greenlit by the council in the late 2010s and during the pandemic would face alterations thanks to the dramatic changes to the economy and building sector.

“Developers are now actively engaging with builders for detailed costings and this is a positive, as it ultimately means more construction and more roofs over heads sooner,” he said at the time.

“This is critical during a housing crisis and as we approach an expected one million residents living on the Gold Coast by the mid-2040s.”

Originally published as Shen-Lan Group: Developer unveils plans for two-tower project in Surfers Paradise