Singapore-based developer plans $100m, 43-storey tower for Ferny Ave site near light rail

THE traffic impact of a $100 million high-rise proposed for Surfers Paradise will be “closely looked at” on what is becoming one of the Gold Coast busiest stretches of road.

$100m tower proposed for Surfers

THE traffic impact of a $100 million high-rise proposed for Surfers Paradise will be “closely looked at” on what is becoming one of the Gold Coast busiest stretches of road.

A Singapore developer has lodged plans with the Gold Coast City Council for “Hamilton Residences”, a luxurious residential building of 43 levels and 192 residential units on Ferny Avenue.

An artist’s impression of the proposed development on Ferry Ave.

If approved by the council, construction could start as soon as the end of the year, according to the project manager, Eastview Australia.

It is one of at least seven high-rises proposed for the stretch of road, with the multi-billion Ruby and Sapphire projects both either lodged or approved.

But with 2800 units between the projects, the council says traffic impact will be at the forefront of its decision-making when the latest tower goes before its planning committee.

Incumbent city planning boss Cameron Caldwell said council officers would look closely at the project.

“Council officers will carefully consider the traffic impacts but it is well placed near the light rail system,” he said.

“This application is another indication there is confidence in the Gold Coast’s economy.

“Following public comment it will go before the planning committee, when councillors will discuss the application.”

The proposed new landmark development at Ferny Ave, Surfers Paradise.

The project has been put forward by developer Touchstone Investment, a Singapore-based developer.

The application was lodged late last year and public comment opens today.

A statement from Touchstone issued to the Gold Coast Bulletin though Eastview Australia said the tower would be a “landmark development”.

“Eastview Australia and the developer are currently working with marketing consultants and sales agents to be in a position to launch the project into the market upon receiving the DA approval, which we anticipate will be at the end of April,” the statement said.

“We have worked closely with our consulting team and Gold Coast City Council for our development application.

“Our consulting team is a strong and experienced team of consultants all based on the Gold Coast led by Eastview Australia.”

According to documents lodged with the council, the tower has been developed to “accommodate and attract” permanent residents, as well as international investors looking for a second home.

“The Singapore-based (developer) seeks to bring some of the qualities found in contemporary development writhing Singapore to the Gold Coast,” the application report said.

But the new project would force the relocation of an existing business on the site — Moped City.
Business owner Paul Redler said he was set to kicked out of his lease after five years.

“It’s not good ... but what do you do?,” he said.

“I’m just the little guy trying to make a living and these guys are splashing millions of dollars, buying property and they’ve got lawyers.”