Old Burleigh Arcade: Bold alternative plan put forward for development

A bold alternative plan for the multi-million dollar redevelopment of the historic old Burleigh Arcade has been pitched in a bid to preserve the area’s history. SEE THE PLANS

A BOLD alternative plan for the mutli-million redevelopment of the historic old Burleigh Arcade has been pitched in a bid to preserve the area’s history.

Just a week remains until public comment closes on the dramatic transformation of the existing landmark put forward by developer Weiya Holdings.

The Sydney-based company wants to build the De-Luxe apartments, a 14-storey, 36-unit complex named for the old cinema that was once housed in the arcade.

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But a group of Gold Coasters opposed to the project have lodged their own alternative proposal as part of the submission process, arguing the Weiya project is not in keeping with the suburb’s character.

Nicolle Archer, who has spearheaded the movement, said the current application was “the first time a repurposing and redevelopment of a heritage building of this magnitude has been proposed” in the city.

A proposed alternate design of the Old Burleigh Arcade redevelopment.

She argued it required extraordinary consideration of many factors including the building’s heritage listing and its importance to the cultural fabric of the city.

“Rather than simply offering the standard objection to the DA, a group of Gold Coast residents have come together to develop an alternative design,” she said.

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“Our re(proposal) is a concept plan to create a true ‘cultural hub’ in order to protect and enhance the building’s landmark and iconic status.

“There is a unique opportunity for this site to maximise social and economic benefits and we encourage the site owners and government to seek a public-private collaborative vision to enable for the best outcomes for all stakeholders.”

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Gold Coast Mayor Tom Tate meeting Nicolle Archer near the Burleigh Acarde in mid-2020.

The alternative proposal is still focused around a residential accommodation tower being built on the site and preserving the arcade’s shell.

It would also include a theatre, art gallery, bar, and dining.

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Ms Archer said the project would “reflect Old Burleigh Theatre Arcade’s past as a place for entertainment and gathering”.

A proposed alternative design of the Old Burleigh Arcade redevelopment.

“The aesthetic of (re)proposal’s design aspires to conform to local character and ensure preservation of the building’s distinct streetscape elements,” she said.

Public comment on Weiya Holdings’ proposed development closes on December 18 and the project will go before councillors in early 2021.

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The Weiya Holdings proposal will go before councillors next year.

Wei Wang, head of Weiya Holdings, said in July the project’s design would honour “the cultural significance of the Old Burleigh Theatre”

Weiya bought the site for $18.5 million and in August 2019 announced plans for a 14-storey luxury apartment tower with a new arcade at its base.

The design was revamped after community outrage that the 1950s-era facade would be lost.

The former De Luxe Theatre building, now the Old Burleigh Theatre Arcade. Picture: Gold Coast Libraries (Local Studies Collection)

The Queensland Heritage Council did not accept a council application for the arcade to be heritage listed on the basis that it had already been heavily redeveloped several times, most recently in 1977, and that nothing remained from the original 1930s building.

The new tower will feature a street-front retail arcade that retains the original “bookend” facade and will include a cafe and retail tenancies.

The corner site will have direct frontage to the Gold Coast Highway next to the planned Burleigh Heads light rail station, which will open in 2023.

It will have three levels of basement carparking.