‘Right-sized’ $900m Gold Coast tower has entire floor for wellness
Saunas, sound healing and a steam room are among the features of a $900 million Gold Coast development that has an entire floor devoted to wellness activities and about a third of the apartments that were initially approved.
Construction is due to begin next month on the two 37-storey towers at Surfers Paradise, which will have 394 apartments. When its developer, Andrews, bought the 5700 square-metre site last year, it had approval for two towers rising to 104 and 73 levels, respectively, and 1100 units.
It’s the latest example of developers opting to “right-size” their projects in the face of soaring construction costs and a scarcity of builders.
The project, dubbed South Beach, also highlights how the wide enthusiasm and expectation for health and wellness mean such facilities are no longer reserved for luxury apartment towers, according to Sarah Andrews, the developer’s general manager.
“We have spent the last 18 months perfecting the wellness level, which is 5500 square metres. There’s 30 different zones, and it takes you on a circuit,” Andrews told The Australian Financial Review.
Designed by architects Bates Smart, the development is due for completion in 2028. Its sixth floor, which has been set aside for the wellness activities, has been dubbed “Realm”.
Its amenities include two outdoor pools, a Hammam steam room, two cold plunge pools, a sound healing and relaxation room, red light therapy rooms, a Finnish and infrared sauna, a library, a co-working hub, and barbecue terraces.
On the floors above the wellness podium, the apartments range from one to four bedrooms, all including wraparound balconies. Prices will range from $925,000 for one-bedroom residences, $1.55 million for two-bedrooms, and $2.25 million for three-bedrooms.
Wellness activities have an increasing presence in the latest apartment projects.
In August, Japanese giant Mitsubishi Estate Asia announced that it was backing a $175 million luxury development in the coastal city with a strong emphasis on wellness and amenities such as a yoga area and hot plunge pool.
Similarly, the 50-home Drift Residences on Main Beach – backed by the RWC McNab Residential Living Development Fund Series 1 – will feature magnesium-infused plunge pools and steam rooms.
The Gold Coast – and much of coastal Queensland – had experienced a cultural shift in the past few years, with many locals opting to join a run club as opposed to going to the bar, Andrews said.
“People love living on the Gold Coast to get up early, go on your morning beach walk, go to your Pilates class, get your coffee, enjoy the sun and then go to work,” she said.
“That two or three hours in the morning before 9am, people really love that. And lots of people aren’t drinking, and they’re going to bed early.”
This had led to an expansion of South Beach’s wellness offering and an adjustment to the design of its apartments, adding another $200 million on top of the $700 million announced in October last year.
Another development dedicating significant space to its amenities is Kokoda Property Group’s $1.5 billion Teneriffe Banks development in Brisbane, which will have more than 200 residences.
About 12,000 square metres will be reserved for its wellness offering across its four towers, including infinity pools, hydrotherapy zones, saunas and a residents-only private health club, Banks Athletic.
Mark Stevens, founder and managing director at Kokoda Property Group, said luxury living today was about more than just design, it was about how well a place supported “mind, body and connection”.
“We’re seeing overwhelming interest from buyers who are drawn to the idea of expansive amenity beyond their own residence, particularly those seeking space without the upkeep,” he said.
“The ability to enjoy a sunrise coffee by the rooftop pool, or build movement and recovery into their daily routine without leaving home, is a drawcard.”
