Developer EG Funds Management proposes gold-twin supertowers for central Surfers Paradise

ONE of the Gold Coast’s most famous addresses will be transformed into giant gold twin supertower under plans unveiled today. The new towers, to be known as “Wanderlust” have a unique feature.

Artist Impressions of a supertower planned for central Surfers Paradise by developer Australian Executor Trustees Limited Surfers Paradise.

CENTRAL Surfers Paradise’s nightclub precinct will be razed and replaced by giant gold supertowers under a plan to transform the city’s heart.

The Wanderlust towers, 71 and 51-levels each, will feature a high-end open-air venue which is being pitched as “the new entertainment hub for Southeast Asia”.

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It is earmarked for a 5254 square metre site between Orchid Ave and Surfers Paradise Boulevard, meaning Sydney developer EG Funds Management would have to demolish the existing Paradise and The Forum centres, the home of popular nightclubs including The Bedroom.

Wanderlust's podium as seen from Surfers Paradise Boulevard.

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The two new towers will have more than 1000 rooms, including a 400-room, five-star hotel.

At its heart will be the 4733sq m Wanderlust Pool Club which is intended to attract world-class DJ and entertainment acts to Surfers Paradise.

No value has been put on Wanderlust but a property expert estimated it to be a $1 billion venture.

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Grant Flannigan, development director for EG Funds, yesterday said the project would provide the best “internationally geared” facility on the Gold Coast.

“It will go beyond enhancing the Gold Coast’s reputation as Australia’s entertainment capital, with a vision of it becoming the entertainment hub for Southeast Asia.”

Wanderlust would feature two towers.

EG Funds said the Wanderlust Pool Club would be “an iconic live entertainment facility” in the heart of the nightclub and entertainment precinct.

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The club, on the first podium level at Wanderlust, is to include a DJ stage and video screen, pools, bar and lounge areas, poolside cabanas, dance floors and entertainment suites.

It will operate primarily as an afternoon evening venue, with a 10pm shutoff and for major events 12 times a year.

How Wanderlust will appear in the Surfers Paradise skyline.

The development application was lodged with the Gold Coast City Council yesterday and has been welcomed by city leaders, including planning boss Cameron Caldwell.

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“This would be a transformational project for the heart of Surfers Paradise and the ability to attract world-class entertainment in a uniquely Gold Coast setting,” he said.

“It would be a boost for tourism and is exactly the sort of urban renewal that our city plan encourages in the high density areas.”

Wanderlusts’s location in the heart of Surfers Paradise.

EG Funds said the name Wanderlust, a term which meant a strong desire to travel, was chosen to instil a greater desire for both domestic and international visitation to Surfers Paradise, particularly to the project.

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No timetable has been given for a start to Wanderlust. EG Funds said that was dependent on planning approvals.

How the tower would shape up compared with the city’s other supertowers.

EG bought the land from the listed Cromwell Corporation for $42 million in 2010 and moved it into the trust.

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It has more than $2 billion of projects in the pipeline and was behind townhouse and unit complexes in Victoria and NSW and are also planning a tower in Brisbane.

Wanderlust’s features

* Designed by Melbourne firm Elenberg Fraser.

* Will have a 400-room hotel, 700 apartments, and 270 serviced apartments.

* Its pool club will feature private dining areas overlooking the city.

* Also includes shops, restaurants, rock-climbing wall, outdoor gymnasium, pool and snooker rooms and restaurants.

* A car wash on Orchid Ave