Gasparin Group to redevelop DFS Galleria in Cairns CBD
A prominent Cairns developer has lodged plans to convert a historic CBD building previously used as a luxury retail store into a residential tower. See the designs.
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A prominent Cairns developer has lodged plans to convert a historic CBD building previously used as a luxury retail store into a residential and commercial tower, with a design “never before seen” in the city.
Now before the council for approval, property developer Gasparin Group hopes the project will help reinvigorate the CBD.
The group has applied to redevelop the former DFS Galleria buildings on the corner of Abbott Street and Spence Street in the Cairns CBD.
A Gasparin Group spokesman said the proposal, which stands adjacent to the residential tower on the Cairns Post site approved earlier this year, would become a commercial tower with residential and retail availability.
“After many years of proud ownership of this iconic property the Gasparin Group looks to the future and the potential redevelopment of the site,” the spokesman said.
“We strongly believe in Cairns, as not only an amazing destination for visitors, but a beautiful place to live and call home.”
Consisting of 44 residences with the ground floor set aside for retail uses, the tower
will rise up to 13 floors, the maximum allowable for this part of the city.
“This project aims to bring life back to the CBD with new residences that provide all the amenities required for living in the tropics,” the spokesman said.
He said the expected redevelopment cost, excluding land value, was around $65 million.
Gasparin Group have hired Hunt Design to create a building design “never before seen in Cairns”.
“Their design maintains the existing building facades and street level retail, while adding a unique residential tower above,” he said.
Architect Gary Hunt said retaining the heritage value of the site was a key consideration in the design concepts.
“The fluid building forms of the residences, with generous balconies and seamless integration of tropical landscaping, underlines our commitment to tropical urbanism,” Mr Hunt said.
“Retail on the ground floor activates the street frontages, while the residents will enjoy a podium level sanctuary with large alfresco areas, a generous pool and other amenities such as state of the art gym, residents lounge, and outdoor dining areas.
“The top of the tower houses two-storey penthouses ushering in a new level of
luxury in the centre of the city.”
Hunt Design have previously worked on luxury Far North Queensland hotels, including Silky Oaks Lodge and Crystalbrook Flynn.
A Cairns Regional Council spokesman said it welcomed new investment into the city, however would not comment directly on the project.
“As this is an active DA to be assessed by Council, it would be inappropriate to comment directly on the project,” the spokesman said.
“There’s no question we need more people living in our CBD – it helps activate our city heart and is good for small businesses and retailers.
“We welcome new investment and bold projects that suit our tropical city and cater for population growth.”
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Originally published as Gasparin Group to redevelop DFS Galleria in Cairns CBD
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