Kirra Beach Hotel expansion draws out angry protestors
A $380 million expansion of the Southern Gold Coast’s Kirra Beach hotel has piqued the ire of locals.
KTQ Group’s redevelopment of the famous pub will include four towers on the old site of the Kirra Beach Hotel. There is also a request for an increase in building height of 11.2m on one tower and 5.1m on another.
To further rankle southern Gold Coast residents, a request for three additional apartment units and 14 more hotel suites has also been made.
Developers are also looking to increase retail and commercial floor space, add more parking and build an indoor sport and recreation centre.
Unit owners say they have been bombarded with never-ending submissions by the developer to grow this contentious development”.
“There are now concessions on concessions to the point that the Gold Coast City Council planning scheme may as well be thrown out the door,” one unit owner said.
More than 25 Kirra locals, many from the Grande Corniche apartments on Kirra hill, have outlined their concerns to council.
“The core issues are the over development of the site that exceeds the Town Plan, and the number of concessions in that they are now asking for concessions on concessions,” said one resident.
“The notice of new proposal was located so as to be almost invisible and the developer letter being hand delivered only two working days prior to submissions deadline.”
Another resident believes putting the pool on the rooftop would be a noise hazard.
“The previous outdoor bar at the Kirra Hotel was continuously flaunting the noise restrictions and resulted in many complaints from neighbours,” the resident said.
The Grand Corniche residents have asked city planners to dismiss the amendments, calling for the resort hotel to be moved to Coolangatta’s Marine Parade.
Residents have said the extra 540 carparking spaces would cause further congestion to an already congested area.
KTQ development purchased the site in 2011 and says that while things have changed in that time, it is listening to residents’ concerns.
“Circumstances and environments have changed since we originally purchased the property in 2011 that require further amendments to the masterplan which we believe will enhance the project and create better community outcomes,” KTQ director Jeremy Holmes said.
“Since the Masterplan was approved in 2019, we have experienced a global pandemic which has evolved buyer and consumer behaviours relating to retail, services, and apartment purchasing.
“We have adapted to these changes to ensure the project is relevant when delivered to the community and we are very conscious of the need to get this right and we are very keen to see this delivered in such a way as it ultimately becomes a fantastic asset for Kirra to be enjoyed by locals and visitors.
“In making amendments we are also conscious of community impact and are endeavouring to deliver the overall project in two stages, not four, to reduce construction time and deliver the new amenity for the region sooner.”
The precinct is expected to be finished by 2026, three years ahead of schedule and is is expected to put $61.4 million annually into the Gold Coast economy.
Jonathan Jackson - 6-12-22
