Gold Coast Bulletin, October 24th, 2008

AS Indy kicks into gear, the Howard Group has unveiled its long-awaited plans for a $170 million `floating’ high rise to be built alongside the Surfers Paradise circuit.

The Howard Group, led by V8 enthusiast and Indy fan Mark Howard, has revealed plans for the unnamed 40-storey tower on a site in northern Surfers Paradise.

The Gold Coast based developer, who founded the Howard Racing Team, has received council approval to construct the tower on the 2382sqm triangular site bounded by Surfers Paradise Boulevard, Main Beach Parade and Higman Street.

The Howard Group bought the site more than 10 years ago from low-key developer Hiro Pamamull Administrators for $3.8 million.

The holding is next to 158 The Esplanade, another site owned by the developer.

It is the second high rise in Surfers Paradise for the Howard Group it built the Pinnacle on the riverfront south of central Surfers and is one of the few developments announced for the northern end of the glitter strip in recent months.

Plans by Raptis Group and CP1 to redevelop the Gold Coast International Hotel and an adjacent block of land have been quashed after the two companies decided to sell in a move to shave debt.

Howard’s Cox Rayner-designed tower will comprise 70 two-per-floor apartments with beach views; a further six podium-level apartments; three commercial tenancies at ground level; 13 offices and recreational facilities including a heated pool, spa, sauna, gym and residents’ lounge.

Earthworks are due to begin early next year, with construction starting in June, 2009.

Mr Howard said the tower was designed to maximise its prime location and become a landmark Gold Coast development.

As well as being on the Indy cicuit, the site is opposite the proposed light-rail track.

“Some of the world’s most iconic buildings, such as Times Square in New York, sit on triangular sites,” said Mr Howard.

“The shape of the site, combined with its gateway to Surfers Paradise location, encouraged us to commission a spectacular building design.

“As a result of some impressive engineering the tower will float above the podium at level three.”

Mr Howard said the tower would sit above the three-level commercial precint, balanced on a centre plinth.

This would give the floating effect, he said.

Mr Howard said another key point of difference would be the office space, to be used exclusively by residents.

“We believe that home should be home and the office the office,” said Mr Howard.

“We will be offering a happy medium where home and the office can be in the same location but not in the same space, only a lift ride away.”

He said his concept was supported by Gold Coast City Council.

“Council supports the home office space offering because it delivers both economic and environmental benefits,” he said.

“Since the residents won’t have to drive to work, it will not add to the area’s traffic.”

Mr Howard said as part of the building’s green commercial concept would include rainwater-collection devices, energy-efficient design and basement security storage.

“The apartments also have close proximity to a patrolled beach; excellent security; spacious floor plans designed for practical living; two side-by-side car parks per unit; high quality finishes and fittings and great amenity,” he said.

“The development has been designed with comfortable emptynesters in mind.”

Howard Group is also developing the environmentally friendly $170 million Sphere, a planned community near Griffith University.