Imperial Square Southport: Developer Robert Badalotti secures approval for Monarch Place tower

A high-profile developer has vowed to fast-track construction of a $650m tower on a prominent site after city leaders quietly approved it. FIND OUT WHEN

High-profile developer Robert Badalotti has vowed to fast-track a $650m tower in Southport after city leaders gave it a green light.

The 40-level Monarch Place will be the second tower of Azzura Investments’ $3bn Imperial Square project, which, if realised will be home to the southern hemisphere’s tallest tower - the 108-storey Majesty.

Mr Badalotti has revamped plans for the project since it was unveiled last year and said he wanted to create a “new living heart” for Southport.

“Development approval for Monarch Place is a significant milestone for our Imperial Square master plan,” he said.

Artist impression of Azzura Investments' Monarch Place development in Southport.

“Not only does it represent a first for the Gold Coast through a premium offering that will create a unique community of residents but it also takes our vision for Imperial Square to the next level.

“Monarch Place will play an integral role in our master plan which is creating a new living heart for Southport where each stage is interconnected through plazas at various levels and complemented by functional, attractive and sustainable green spaces and recreational areas.”

The new tower will be launched to the market in late June.

The council approved the Imperial Square masterplan for the project in 2016.

It has undergone numerous design changes in recent years, with the number of towers fluctuating between three and four.

Azzura Group CEO Robert Badalotti. Picture: Supplied.

First announced in late 2023, the Monarch was to have 223 “premium” units, more than half of which will be an “exclusive vertical retirement village”.

Its retirement facilities are tipped to be with the 35 per cent fees charged by other operators, with the owners retaining all capital growth.

The Kris Kowalski Architects-designed project will now be the second of four towers, with the under-construction Regal Residences already sold out and planning for the Majesty and the 68-level Imperial towers ongoing.

An earlier plan for Imperial Square, Southport

New approved features of the Monarch project include:

* ‘An exciting retail offering on the ground level and first floor, incorporating an extensive food and dining offering with an up-scale food hall/social dining hall”, which will include a ‘taste of Italy” restaurant;

* Medical suites on its second levels;

* A collection of two and three-bedroom units between levels seven and 26;

* Exclusive “skyhouse units between levels 27 and 38;

* A series of penthouses and sub-penthouses on its top levels;

* An exclusive “Monarch Imperial Club, which will including “a gymnasium, sauna, heated indoor pool and spa, a hairdressing salon and beauty parlour, games and entertainment room, cinema, golf simulator, art and craft studio, library, resident workshop, bar and restaurant”.

A 2020-era proposal for the site.

Mr Badalotti said: “Now we have secured development approval, and as we edge closer to completing the first stage Regal Residences, we are looking forward to starting construction of Monarch Place in coming months.

“The Monarch Imperial Club will span over 2000 sqm, offering guests an abundance of amenities to cater to their every need. Additionally, there will be a 1500 sqm childcare facility on-site to further enhance the offering for families, ensuring that every aspect of comfortable living is addressed.”