Gold Coast development: Southport to do population ‘heavy lifting’ as Badalotti moves forward on towers

A leading developer insists Southport is more desirable than so-called ‘millionaire’s row’ Hedges Ave ahead of warnings the CBD will have to do heavy lifting for population increases.

Developer Robert Badalotti insists Southport is more desirable than so-called ‘millionaire’s row’ Hedges Ave as a consulting firm says the CBD will have to do heavy lifting for population increases.

A fresh masterplan for Southport is expected to be unveiled in the first half of the year and address a lack of residential and development in the suburb in the past decade.

With the Gold Coast’s population growing by 15,000 annually, Urbis consulting firm director Patrick Hefferan says the suburb will have to “do heavy lifting” to house those residents.

“It creates opportunities to live, work and play for new residents and will be a more efficient use of land because the CBD needs a lot of residents,” he said.

Developer Robert Badalotti with a model of his Monarch Place project which has done $140m of sales. Picture Glenn Hampson

“Southport is going to have to do a lot of heavy lifting because the SEQ regional plan has prescribed planning targets and this is an opportunity on larger available sites to meet those targets with lifestyle offerings second to none.

“It’s not simply an opportunity for apartments or hotels but a chance to create mixed-use centres which are lifestyle driven and expanding employment and community opportunities.”

Mayor Tom Tate confirmed in late 2024 a new masterplan would be unveiled in the first half of 2025 to help transform and revitalise the CBD.

Artist impression of Monarch Place, stage 2 of the Imperial Square development which will be built in Southport on the Gold Coast by Azzura Group, headed by Robert Badalotti. Picture: Supplied.

Key aspects included relocating council’s headquarters on the existing Athol Patterson carpark site, creating a legal and government precinct at the site of Mal Burke carpark and developing more hotels and residential accommodation.

It’s good news for bullish Mr Badalotti, who launched the first stage of his Imperial Square development on Meron St in December, and said Southport was on track to become the Gold Coast’s hottest residential destination.

He said the 40-storey Monarch Place second stage would begin rising on the corner of Meron St and Bundall Rd this November after $140m in sales in months without advertising it, with a fast-tracked two-year construction phase.

Just 12 units remain unsold.

Developer Robert Badalotti insists Southport is on track to be more glamorous than Hedges Ave Picture Glenn Hampson

Weeks from turning 70, Mr Badalotti said he was confident the demand existed to make his most ambitious project – the southern hemisphere’s tallest tower – a reality.

“Virtually all of our buyers have come from within a 10km radius,” he said. “We’ve got people who bought the units as investments but instead moved in because it’s been done in such a fantastic way and we have doubled-up in owner-occupiers in the building.

“We have done 140m in sales with no ads and our reputation is 40-years-long and have always delivered and (the tallest tower) will be a legacy for us all.”

“I turn 70 next month and I’m not planning to retire.”

Asked if Southport would overtake beachside Hedges Ave, where he lives, as a desirable location to live, Mr Badalotti responded “absolutely”.

“The views you get on this part of the town from the building are ones you cannot get on the beach,” he said.

Artist impression of Azzura Group's Imperial Square development in Southport on the Gold Coast

“I live on Hedges Ave and when it’s dark, it is pitch black but when you’re up here on the 16th floor the views are incredible.

“We are going to be the envy of Marina Bay Sands in Singapore.”

Mr Badalotti said a further floor of 39 hotel rooms would be built in the Monarch tower.

The council approved the Imperial Square masterplan in 2016.

It has undergone design changes in recent years, with tower numbers fluctuating between three and four.

Monarch Place sits next to the first tower and features 323 units, including sky homes and a penthouse. It includes two and three-bedroom units between levels seven and 26, exclusive skyhouse units between levels 27 and 38, and penthouses and sub-penthouses on its top level.

Health-related tenants span medical suites, a wellness spa and heated pools.

It will also feature a “large tavern”, the “exclusive Monarch Imperial club, a golf simulator and private cinema”.

It will be followed by the Majesty, a 108-storey tower to become both Australia and the Southern Hemisphere’s tallest tower.

Originally published as Gold Coast development: Southport to do population ‘heavy lifting’ as Badalotti moves forward on towers