The Collective: Court overrules council veto of controversial Palm Beach luxury hotel tower

Southern Gold Coasters have responded in outrage after a judge’s decision to green light a 18-storey tower in Palm Beach saying “the concrete canyon is now a reality”. Read what they said

Southern Gold Coasters have responded in outrage after a judge’s decision to green light a 18-storey tower in Palm Beach saying “the concrete canyon is now a reality”.

Planning and Environment Court Judge Michael Williamson recently defied Gold Coast City Council and 1863 other objectors and approved the redevelopment of The Collective site with a high-rise.

Council had previously rejected the proposal with 95 per cent of submissions opposing the tower.

Artist impression of the Collective development from S & S projects in Palm Beach on the Gold Coast.

Judge Williamson dismissed the views from opponents to the development that Palm Beach had a “village feel”.

“It was suggested during cross-examination that, in character terms, the Palm Beach district centre exhibits characteristics of a village, or has a village feel,” he said.

“I do not accept this is a fair characterisation of the existing character of the centre. It does not have, nor does it exhibit, a village character.

“This is, in large measure (because) the district centre was not a village given its size, highway orientation and feel/identity/sense of place derived from existing built form.

“These matters do not exhibit a village character or village feel. With respect to the natural environment, the suburb of Palm Beach is surrounded by the beach, coastal edge and natural landscape features.

The site for The Collective, a tower planned for Palm Beach on the Gold Coast.

“The proposed development will not remove, alter or detract from these natural features.

“Rather, the proposed development will activate two streets in the district centre and, in doing so, improve pedestrian comfort and access to, among other things, the beach.”

Collective general manager Stewart Mackay said they were unaware of the decision made by the judge and had not been given any information on when the redevelopment would begin.

“All that we know is that the development has been approved and the plans are yet to be finalised,” he said.

“So we are anticipating to be trading as normal for some time yet.”

Mr Mackay said the news wouldn’t stop the restaurant venue from having a “jam packed” summer.

“So we encourage people to keep up to date on our socials and celebrate The Collective while we’re still here.”

One of the Southern Gold Coast’s most popular eateries, The Collective and venue manager Stewart Mackay. Picture Glenn Hampson

Bulletin readers were divided over the judge’s decision with some saying it was “terrible” and others said it was an “excellent and sensible outcome”.

“Rest in peace Palmy, sadly the concrete canyon is now a reality,” Brendan said.

Sue added: “A terrible decision for Palm Beach, which is where I live.”

Jordan said “so much of the Coast needs regeneration to accommodate our growing population”.

“Tired of the whingers that don’t want change, build up, not out.”

John responded: “I agree, people will complain about all sorts of progress. If you don’t like it, move to Pottsville”.

‘Disappointing’: Court’s tower ruling spells end for landmark

A Planning and Environment Court Judge has defied the Gold Coast City Council and 1863 other objectors to green light an 18-storey tower in central Palm Beach.

It has prompted area councillor Josh Martin to say council had concerns about traffic and also what this decision will mean for future pending developments in the area.

The 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 has overturned that.

The submissions argued the tower was far taller than other proposed buildings and would create traffic issues.

Artist impression of the Collective development from S & S projects in Palm Beach on the Gold Coast.

But Judge Williamson in his ruling 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 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 judgment noted the planned stage 4 light rail extension which will run past the tower.

“With respect to the natural environment, the suburb of Palm Beach is surrounded by

the beach, coastal edge and natural landscape features: paragraph,” he wrote.

Paul Gedoun (left) has welcomed the court’s decision. Picture: Kevin Farmer

“The proposed development will not remove, alter or detract from these natural features. Rather, the proposed development will activate two streets in the district centre and, in doing so, improve pedestrian comfort and access to, among other things, the beach.”

The tower, put forward by prolific developer Paul Gedoun’s S & S Projects, will now rapidly move towards construction.

It will replace The Collective, a local landmark.

The court ruled this week in favour of S & S, approving the tower with conditions.

Area councillor Josh Martin said the community “would be disappointed by the outcome”.

“I will look at the outcome of this full judgment but obviously it is disappointing given council correctly assessed the application,” he said.

“To see it overturned when there were legitimate concerns about traffic is disappointing and I am concerned it will cause those issues to occur.

“There are other projects in this central Palm Beach area which were awaiting this decision so naturally there will be a lot of concern in the community about what this will mean for future developments.”

Mr Gedoun, who bought the site for $4m in September 2021, said the plans for the tower would be finalised before construction begins.

Area councillor Josh Martin. Picture Glenn Hampson

“We are incredibly proud to receive this approval and are committed to delivering a hotel project that will set a new standard for the Gold Coast hospitality market,” he said.

“Our vision for this development is to create a dynamic destination that embodies the vibrancy and energy of Palm Beach, with plans for a ground-floor restaurant and bar as well as an elevated poolside restaurant and cocktail bar.

“The approval of this mixed-use development plays a crucial role in addressing the shortage of quality short-term accommodation options and luxury residential apartments in the area and represents a significant investment in the future of Palm Beach.

“It underscores the district’s ongoing growth and positions the community and local businesses to benefit from the influx of visitors and residents seeking premium experiences, as well as providing jobs for locals.”