Main Beach takes over from Palm Beach as the tower development battleground on the Coast
OPINION Palm Beach is no longer the biggest development battleground in the city. Main Beach is where a new war on tower height is brewing. INSIDE THE TOWERS WAR
Gold Coast
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Palm Beach is no longer the biggest development battleground in the city. Main Beach is the next war on tower height. All of it sparked by a proposed slim tower on a house block.
A majority of councillors this week approved an 18-level tower in the Palm Beach district centre. The report shows only two objections by residents - a record all time low.
But emails are being sent to your columnist, about Gateway to Spit at Main Beach.
GDI Group director Dean Gallagher, on the 23-level high rise, told this publication:
“This is a rare site in Main Beach with a small footprint and an unbeatable position. Our focus is on delivering an outcome that is both respectful and forward thinking, ensuring it enhances the character of Main Beach.”
Drive out of Seaworld Drive leaving The Spit and you will notice the new glass Monaco building. Imagine sitting there looking north. Gateway is to be next door.
Lori Sexton, who lives in the neighbouring Pintari building, has a different view.
In her letter to council, Ms Sexton gave a resident’s perspective on six key design principles used to assess developments - everything from community impact to how a building looks.
On building design, she says “not too many ticks” given there will be 97 per cent coverage of the site and a 3.5m boundary setback on its eastern side.
“How does this development address the loss of amenities on the adjoining property Pintari,” Ms Sexton asked.
“The natural light and natural ventilation being blocked by the bulk of this building with its non-existent boundary setbacks and no possible areas for cooling landscaping and deep planting,” she added.
The word on the street in Main Beach is both Pintari and Monaco residents are employing expert planners to provide a detailed assessment to council in town planning language.
Main Beach Association leader Sue Donovan told your columnist: “Main Beach has seen some dreadful developments over the recent years, but the latest proposal for the Gateway to The Spit takes the cake.
“The irony is that, if approved, this development will destroy the amenity of Monaco, the controversial building that was strongly opposed by Main Beach residents. Pintari, very badly affected by the Gateway proposal, have already lodged a detailed objection - while Monaco are following suit. Main Beach residents are hopeful that Councillor Darren Taylor will come down really hard on this outrageous development application which breaks every rule.”
Residents forecast the two-level skyhomes will sell for between $7 million and $10 million.
Ms Sexton asked officers: “This proposed development does not provide for housing diversity. In no way is it affordable housing.”
She also questioned how the building would meet another criteria - “healthy living”.
“No shaded green spaces to encourage physical activity and social interaction. No space at all,” Ms Sexton said.
Main Beach has just lost its front yard due to Cyclone Alfred - from Narrowneck to Sheraton, the beach is closed off. Bigger backyards may come back into vogue.
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