In the wake of submissions following November’s approval of Potter Group‘s proposed Main Place development in Broadbeach,  the Planning Committee have reccomended a number of amendments be approved by Council. The 3275sqm site would still feature a 3-storey retail podium, topped with six levels of hotel space on half the site, as well as a 52-storey building housing 320 apartments.

Importantly, the amendments maintain that the development must achieve a Green Building Council of Australia five-star, Green Star standard for the offices and apartments and five-star National Australian Built Environment Rating System (NABERS) rating for the hotel.

When discussing the amendments, Committee Chair, Councillor Ted Shepherd said:

“We want to ensure that Main Place offers its future occupants, and the city, a high standard in sustainability. Added to its proximity to the light rail will make this an attractive place to live, stay, shop and play.”

With the completion of The Oracle building earlier this year and with Hilton and Soul approaching the end of construction, Council view the commencement of work on the site as a priority to the local construction industry and economy as a whole.

Artist's Impression of Main Place Development

Despite approval rates in excess of 340 homes per month in 2006 & 2007, figures from the ABS have revealed that housing approvals on the Gold Coast fell to just 187 per month in 2010.  Apartments, which peaked in the same period at around 290 per month are down to 81 per month.

This reduction will likely see continuing loss of construction jobs on the Gold Coast.  Fortunately, there are several major projects, including a major refurbishment of both Jupiter’s Casino and Pacific Fair – as well as Potter Group’s Main Place project slated to get underway over the next 18 months

Despite some public opposition, Council’s planning committee has signed off on Potter Group’s 52-storey redevelopment of Broadbeach’s Main Place.  The current plans include 173 resort hotel suites, 320 apartments, nearly 1800sqm of shops and restaurants and 2346sq m of commercial floorspace – however local councillor Eddy Saroff is lobbying to have the hotel portion of the building reduced in size.

The extent of this reduction could threaten the viability of the project, the construction of which is expected to add nearly 800 jobs and over $700m to the local economy.

Potter Group’s proposed 52-storey apartment building is receiving some opposition from the traders in the area surrounding Main Place where it is slated to be built.  Positioned opposite the Gold Coast Convention and Exhibition Centre, as well as a future Rapid Transit stop, the developer sees the central Broadbeach transport hub as an obvious choice for increasing height and density, however at 52 storeys, the tower would be the tallest in Broadbeach, eclipsing The Oracle’s Beach Tower at 50 storeys and exceeds Local Area Plan requirements.

A period of consultation with the public and Council will take place, which could lead to a reduction in the height and density of the development.

After five years of amalgamation, the aging Main Place precinct in Broadbeach could be set for a revamp.  Potter Group are reportedly preparing to lodge plans with Council for the redevelopment of the parcel, which faces the Gold Coast Highway between Queensland and Victoria Avenue.

Details are far from concrete, but in addition to upgrading the existing retail and restaurant space, there are also reportedly plans for a high rise at the Queensland Avenue end of the site.