Gold Coast German Club: Merrimac property to be sold for development
The biggest change to face the Gold Coast’s famous German club in its 50 year existence will change the face of this suburb forever. FIND OUT HOW
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The property that has been home to a Merrimac institution, the German Club for nearly 50 years, is being sold.
The club, opened in the 1970s, is planning to vacate its home in light of dwindling membership and changing times.
Dax Roep, of Harcourts Coastal Commercial said the Gooding Drive property had become much too large for the members’ needs.
He said the club, just renamed the Australian German Club, was looking to lease a far smaller restaurant-cum bar tenancy on the central Gold Coast.
“That means the Merrimac property will be sold with vacant possession.”
The sell-off, by expressions of interest, is being managed by Mr Roep and Harcourts colleagues Lachlan Marshall and Jared Johnson.
The move involves a 1480sq m building on an 8929sq m site with parking for 100 vehicles. The property is held through the Deutscher Klub Gold Coast.
Mr Roep said the site was prime for redevelopment.
“Town-planning advice indicates potential for retail, commercial, childcare or medical uses.
“There also could be a mixture of residential products, including aged care and retirement uses.
“Alternatively the existing building, given its size and parking, is perfect to reposition, via cosmetic upgrades, as an improved commercial /function space or perhaps for religious or sporting uses.”
Mr Roep said the club site previously was filled and hence was flood-free development land within two minutes of the M1 and a stroll to retail amenities and St Michael’s College.
The German Club originally was on a 2.6ha holding but two pieces of the site have been sold in the past 13 years.
Thirteen years ago a 4000sq m portion with frontage to Jondique Ave was sold and subsequently became home to a McDonald’s outlet.
Six years ago a low-lying 1.7ha site, opposite a BP service station and the Merrimac Tavern, was sold for $7.8m, filled, and partly improved.
A United service station was built, along with fast-food outlets and a drive-through coffee shop, and later sold for $7.8m.
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