Major new project set to rise on long empty development site in Southport after 25 years

A MAJOR two-tower development is set to rise in central Southport on a site vacant for more than 25 years.

Aerials Gold Coast : Southport . Picture Mike Batterham

A MAJOR two-tower development is set to rise in central Southport on a site vacant for more than 25 years.

The Bulletin understands a development application will soon be submitted for Sienna, a development by GMP Development.

The main tower will be 88-levels while the smaller will be 40.

The Bulletin last week revealed the project was expected to feature a mixture of accommodation, retail and commercial facilities as well as an events centre.

If approved by the Gold Coast City Council’s planning committee, it will be built on an empty lot bordered by Nerang, Garden and Young streets.

City Planning boss Cameron Caldwell said a project of such a high scale would be a strong addition to the area.

“This development would be a welcome addition to the Southport skyline,” he said.

“The site has a troubled past and is currently a well-known hole in the ground.

“A development like this would be welcome and it reinforces the optimism within the development sector and underlines the importance of Southport as the CBD for the city.”

The site falls within the Southport PDA and has been vacant since 1989.

Several developments planned for the site have fallen through.

Mayor Tom Tate said Sienna would be “another signature project” for the Southport skyline.