Gold Coast development: Beckdev revamps plans for controversial Palais Coolangatta tower

A leading developer has dramatically altered controversial plans for a tower in the heart of Coolangatta in a bid to get the green light from city leaders.

A leading Melbourne developer has lodged slimmed-down plans for a tower in the heart of Coolangatta in a bid to get the green light from city leaders.

BeckDev have slashed five levels off its proposed Palais Coolangatta project, taking it to 17- storeys while dropping the number of units to 132, down from 174.

The building, planned for the former Jazzland site, has been a the heart of a dispute with council staff who declared the original 22-storey tower was too big in size and scale.

BeckDev managing director, Damian Dalgleish said a key focus of the revised plan was the restoration of the 1930s-era building.

“We have amended the design to create a new plan that responds to community feedback, while in many instances exceeding council planning requirements,” he said.

Artist impression of BeckDev's revamped Jazzland Tower development which is planned for a McLean Street site in Coolangatta. Picture: Supplied

“Our commitment to Jazzland is saving a long forgotten past that retains and restores a heritage cultural use, that has been lost due to successive owners altering the building to suit their retail requirements with no consideration to the previous heritage values of the site.

“The authentic heritage restoration to the facade and hall provides a unique sense of place that celebrates the cultural heritage use of the Jazzland dance in the hall.”

It is the first Gold Coast project for the company, headed by Max Beck and his son, Ben Beck.

The Jazzland dance hall was at the heart of the southern suburb’s social scene from its opening in 1928 until its closure in 1951.

For the past 20 years it was home to an antiques shop.

BeckDev was among six local and interstate buyers vying for the site when it went up for sale in 2021.

Max Beck. Photo by Josh Robenstone

The Becks are experienced developers, having completed projects in both Sydney and Melbourne.

Their best-known venture was the restoration of the historic 333 Collins Street in Melbourne which was built in the 1890s and was expanded to create an office tower while retaining its original interior.

The Palais development application is earmarked for a 2355sq m site at on McLean Street.

Developers had been asked to scale back their project after 478 people – council received two petitions – objected to designs.

Residents in nearby Garrick Street in their objections have raised concerns about height, privacy, wind tunnels and traffic created by such a large tower on the heritage site.

“The current proposed height of the building is 75.5 meters and the designated building height for the building is 39 meters,” a Garrick Street resident wrote.

Artist impression of BeckDev's revamped Jazzland Tower development which is planned for a McLean Street site in Coolangatta. Picture: Supplied

“The proposed building height is almost double the existing height recommendations and is well above the existing buildings in the immediate area, resulting in a dominant development that is not reflective or compatible with its surroundings.

“We do not believe this to be compatible with the surrounding dwellings and residential area and believe it creates significant impacts to existing residents, particularly on Garrick Street.”

Residents believe the tower with its “modernist” look does not fit with the history, culture and village feel of Coolangatta.

“It does not keep within the character and design of existing properties, nor does it build upon the character and design of what Coolangatta is historically known for,” a resident wrote.

“This design does not belong to Coolangatta’s nostalgic beach, surf and retro tourism culture. This proposed development is incompatible with the current culture of the town, and key historic, tourism events including Cooly Rocks On.”

Artist impression of BeckDev's revamped Jazzland Tower development which is planned for a McLean Street site in Coolangatta. Picture: Supplied

Another Garrick Street resident said the tower does not fit with the one to two level buildings on each side of it.

“The proposed development is going to be built close to residential apartments on Garrick street which is building concern about interfering with privacy,” the resident wrote.

“The proposed development is situated at the front of a very busy narrow one lane intersection, with concerns there will be a higher traffic flow and congestion built up with the new proposed development. There is concern about parking for the proposed 175 units, shops and theatre, as there is no indication of accommodating parking for the amount of people they are expecting to have visit this new proposed development.”