Sydney developers Weiya Holdings given go ahead from courts for Gold Coast high-rise

The redevelopment of a 130-year-old beachfront site has been given the green light after locals lost an appeal to stop a 14-storey unit tower on the Old Burleigh Theatre Arcade block.

Burleigh local Nicolle Archer outside the historic Old Burleigh Theatre Arcade. Picture: Nigel Hallett

Sydney-based developer Weiya Holdings has been given the green light to build a 14-storey luxury tower in place of a Gold Coast landmark after locals opposed to the controversial project lost an appeal.

The proposed development called De-Luxe will see the Old Burleigh Theatre Arcade on Goodwin Terrace turned into 30 sky homes and exclusive beachfront apartments offering of two to four bedroom apartments.

The tower will also include a communal pool and gym, three levels of basement parking and four food, beverage and retail tenancies on the ground floor.

The development was approved by Gold Coast City Council in 2021 but local residents Nicolle Archer and Wayne Purcell appealed the decision.

They argued the high-rise build would mean partial demolition of the Old Burleigh, also known as De Luxe theatre, which has stood on the beachfront for 130 years and holds great historical significance among the community.

The 130-year-old Old Burleigh Theatre Arcade.

Ms Archer told the court the development would have an “unacceptable impact on the heritage values of the former De Luxe Theatre,” while Mr Purcell argued “an unacceptable traffic impact on the Gold Coast Highway”.

The Queensland Planning and Environment Court dismissed the application on December 23, ruling in favour of JWZ Partners Development Group (a related company to Weiya Holdings).

The developers said the local landmark status was predominantly maintained with the architectural elements of the “striking feature” front facade readily viewed from the beach.

The interior decor of the residence is also planned to pay homage to the Old Burleigh’s history as a dance hall and cinema through displayed photos and memorabilia.

JWZ Partners also argued the tower would contribute to providing more housing amid soaring demand for homes on the Gold Coast.

In a 143-page judgment Judge Nicole Kefford ruled the project should go ahead noting both the need for it and that it retained and conserved each of the elements of high significance.

The proposed 'Burleigh Deluxe' from Weiya Property Development. Picture: Supplied

Gold Coast City councillor Cameron Caldwell, who belongs to both the planning and environment and transport and infrastructure council committees, welcomed the court’s ruling, saying it “endorses the approach taken by council to protect heritage values while facilitating sustainable development.”

A suite of conditions for development will now be provided to the court at the end of January.

Weiya Holdings was contacted for comment.