Flourish on Sixth: Sherpa Property Group increases size of proposed Palm Beach tower to 18-storeys

Plans for a new high-rise in the heart of Palm Beach have been dialled up after city leaders’ precedent-setting decision to approve a giant tower in the suburb.

Plans for a new tower in the heart of Palm Beach have been dialled up after city leaders’ precedent-setting decision to approve an 18-storey tower in the suburb.

Sherpa Property Group has lodged updated plans with Gold Coast City Council for its Flourish on Sixth project which would see it increase from 12 to 18 levels.

The height limit for the area was previously 14 storeys and will remain the case along the coastal strip.

The change to the Sixth Ave project, which was only unveiled in September, comes after council’s planning committee this week unanimously voted to approve the tower by developer Changfa on the corner of Gold Coast Highway and Palm Beach Ave.

Artist impression of Sherpa Property Group's Flourish on Sixth tower in Palm Beach. Picture: Supplied

Sherpa general manager Daniel Clarke said the move was also the result of a planning and environment court decision to approve an 18-level tower on the neighbouring The Collective site.

“Recent court decisions have provided clarity around the 50 per cent height uplift in this neighbourhood centre zone and we are using this opportunity to deliver more affordable housing to the Palm Beach market,” he said.

“This goal is central to our new Flourish brand — providing more affordable options while embracing the natural evolution of the area.”

“We have been extremely careful in the design of Flourish, taking every detail into account, and the additional levels and rooftop will help provide separation to our neighbours, ensuring minimal impact to the community of Palm Beach.”

A view from the roof deck. Picture: Supplied

Mr Clarke said the changes, which would add an extra five levels and a rooftop to the tower, would “provide more affordable housing and enhance the amenities”.

It comes after The Collective and Changfa projects set a new precedent for increased height.

Gold Coast City Council had rejected a proposal to redevelop The Collective venue site with a high-rise, with 95 per cent of submissions opposing the tower, but Judge Michael Williamson overturned that in September.

In his ruling Judge Williamson said he did not give great weight to the submissions of many protesters, saying they were based on a previous 25-storey design, not on the current 18-storey proposal.

“At first blush, the case in favour of refusal starts on a solid footing – the proposed development exceeds the standard prescribed in council’s planning scheme for building height in the order of 50 per cent,” he wrote.

The tower was previously planned for 12-storeys. Picture: Supplied

“The significance of the exceedence was not lost on the public; 1863 properly-made submissions objecting to an earlier iteration of the development took issue with excessive building height and density.

“While the building height exceedence is an important issue, it is not fatal to the success of the development application.”

The Sherpa project, which was launched to the market in October, is earmarked for a 1618sq m site on the southern side of Sixth Ave and will replace buildings housing Palm Beach Physiotherapy, a dental surgery and a podiatrist clinic.

If approved, construction will begin in March 2025, with the tower expected to open in mid-2027.

Mr Clarke said the response from the public had been positive.

“We have been impressed with the positive responses of the neighbours and thank them for engaging in such an open and consultative way, with great feedback and ideas”, he said.

“There has been an overwhelmingly positive response, especially from local buyers as this development represents an exciting opportunity for locals wanting to invest and enjoy a community-focused lifestyle in a highly sought-after location.”