Landmark Pink Hotel poised for heritage status in bid to halt developers
The much loved Pink Hotel at Coolangatta is on the cusp of being protected forever as developers target the prime site for another super tower.
The much loved Pink Hotel at Coolangatta is on the cusp of being protected forever as developers target the prime site for another super tower.
City officers have supported the hotel, first opened 60 years ago as the Ocean View Motor Inn, being placed on the Gold Coast Local Heritage Register along with three other sites.
Environment heritage staffers have realised both its historic and tourism potential with the refurbished hotel promoted as “funky retro beachfront stay” in Coolangatta.
Councillor Gail O’Neill, who led the campaign to protect it, can expect support from fellow councillors at a vote at a lifestyle committee meeting on Thursday.
“This building has ticked all the boxes that makes it worthy of heritage listing,” she said.
Ms O’Neill had first spoken to Council’s Heritage Team more than two years ago about the possible heritage listing of the Pink Hotel.
“The team proceeded with assessment. It has also been formally nominated, together with QCWA Hall, by a member of the public, which included 273 supporting signatures,” she said.
Of the 1408 submissions during public notification, 97 per cent of those were supportive of heritage listing.
“I believe this is because I and local residents do realise the history of Coolangatta as a thriving tourism destination of the 50s, 60s and 70s must be preserved and celebrated,” Ms O’Neill said.
“As well as its special association with community and culture, the Ocean View Motel, as it was originally known, has this historic importance together with its aesthetic value and class characteristics.
“It is also a nod to a then prominent Queensland architect George Rae, and is a rare surviving example of its kind.”
City officers also recommended heritage listing for the neighbouring Queensland Country Women’s Association building, the Cedar Creek Hall, and Coomera Branch Queensland Country Women’s Association Memorial Hall at Oxenford.
Submitters to council on the Pink Hotel most frequently cited the site’s landmark status, historic significance and special association with the community.
“Many expressed concern about the loss of heritage places on the Gold Coast and emphasised the importance of recognising and protecting this aspect of the city’s history,” an officer said.
Only three per cent of submitters were opposed, claiming the site lacks heritage value, that the building was not a good example of its type.
But almost all submitters could see the site’s tourism appeal, and were strongly opposed to “increasing high-rise development in the area”.
Officers after considering the submissions remarked about the building’s design by Mr Rae, and how it helped view lines through Coolangatta to the beachfront.
“The heritage team also believe it plays a very important role with its view corridors to the both the beach and the NSW border,” Ms O’Neill said.
“There is a proposed heritage boundary line around this property and if approved to be placed on our Local Heritage List, owners of the building would need to consider and respect its local cultural significance with any proposed redevelopment.”
The Pink Hotel opened in 1963, and the QCWA Hall next to it was built and furnished in 1937.
Both sites have been targeted recently by developers.
QCWA Coolangatta president Karen Howell last month when encouraging residents to support heritage listing of both sites said there had been “a lot of pressure from developers” contacting her directly and their head office wanting the organisation to sell the property.
She said there had also been approaches to the neighbouring Pink Hotel with developers wanting to buy both properties together.
More Coverage
‘Lucky lady’: Councillor’s car win sparks calls for a review
