Gold Coast development: New Southport towers planned for Meron and Railway streets

A 1960s-era mansion in the heart of Southport has been demolished to make way for a high-density tower as the city’s CBD continues to change. SEE THE PLANS

A 1960s-era mansion in the heart of Southport has been demolished to make way for a high-density low-rise tower.

The nine-story, 69-unit building is earmarked for a 2000sq m site on Meron St, just down the road from where developer Robert Badalotti is planning to build the southern hemisphere’s tallest building.

A house which stood on Meron Street, Southport for more than 50 years has been demolished to make way for a unit block

The orange-brick house has been demolished in recent weeks to make way for the project, which has been put forward by developer Progeny Properties.

It will feature 37 three-bedroom units and 32 two-bedroom apartments.

Artist impression of a unit block planned for Meron Street, Southport

Meanwhile, plans for a 13-storey, tower also offering high-density units has been lodged for a nearby site on Southport’s Railway St.

Lodged by Brisbane-based developer Ferro Property Group, the project will feature 94 two-bedroom units for a total of 188 bedrooms.

All will be zoned for either residential or rental purposes and it will be aimed at providing low-cost housing.

A shop will also be included on the ground level.

Artist impression of a unit block proposed for a site on Southport's Railway Street by the Brisbane-based Ferro Property Group. Picture: Supplied

“The intent of the proposal is to deliver a mixed-use high-rise development which supports the provision of an affordable housing product,” a report lodged with the council reads.

“The proposal has a considered designed to allow for the timely delivery of an affordable housing project.

Artist impression of a unit block proposed for a site on Southport's Railway Street by the Brisbane-based Ferro Property Group. Picture: Supplied

“A key aspect of each unit’s affordability relates to the ability of the development to accommodate its supply of carparking across three storeys of podium – negating the need to provide multiple levels of basement.

“Such an outcome has a substantial impact on the project’s viability and will ensure the affordability of the units for future residents.”

Sitting inside the Southport Priority Development area, both projects are virtually certain to gain approval from the council, which will consider them later this year.