The first of 4 towers by Raptis Group is about to start construction at site bounded by Scarborough,Garden & lawson streets, Southport.
The complex to be known as Southport Central consists of -
1x 35st/120m
1x33st/110m
1x25st/90m
1x13st/45m
The first tower to commence in a few weeks is the tallest one! It will consist of 10 levels of office with ground floor rretail + 25 floors of apartments. It will rise to the height limit which is approx 120m. (Pivotal Point is 124m/40st).
This one is higher above sea level and approx 150m south/west of PP.
The site currently is a ground level carpark and previously was Southport State Primary school.
Im geting official plans sent through soon for official height ect, and ill post an elevation.
its all good! Southport is booming! :)

I wondered what they were building there when I walked past on friday.

Pwoah! This is awesome news. Southport really is going to look huge in a couple of years. So I'm guessing this site is not on the highway but more inland compared with Brighton and Pivotal Point, right?

yes , approx 150m more inland and to the south. one block west of Marine parade.

Some of you may know where Australia Fair crosses over Scarbourgh Street. The site is right next to Australia Fair west. It was bought by Australia Fair a few years ago, but they found it unviable to expand the shopping centre even further, so they used it as a carpark. It was sold about 2 years ago I think and this plan was released approximately a year ago. I've seen an artists impression and it looks great

sales office has been there a few months . they have built a carpark at the back near
australia fair which is now being used as an extra addition to aussie fair car parks . it has a small ramp going between the two car parks i parked there the other day .
4 towers on this site looks a bit small to me there wont be much space around the towers .

Is there a render of the proposed development anywhere? It's a little wierd that Raptis wold set up an on-site sales centre yet have nothing on their website. Maybe they're just testing the waters?

il try and get what i can from GCCC.

Toady's GCB says that there will only be 3 towers. 2x 40st, 1x 45st!

Construction of the first 40st tower to begin Janurary next year. This tower has 230 apartments over 31 levels, 8 floors of commercial space and a single floor of retail stores. Scheduled for completion in May 2006.

Project will also include:
200 bed Private Hospital(Like there isn't enough in Southport--There's about 3 different private hospitals surrounding the public Gold Coast Hospital.

730 one and two-bedroom apartments
200 commercial suites
75 retail spaces


Work on the other towers will start on a by-demand basis.

Emporis will need to be changed.

ill try and get official heights/stats ect from GCCC.

i chatted to planner and he was also amazed also by article. the DA hasnt even been lodged for a 3 tower scheme, so the project that i originally posted still stands.

righty oh. Raptis is confusing us.:bash:

Took a couple of photos from todays bulletin.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v316/RADULA/SOUTHPORTCENTRAL1.jpg




http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v316/RADULA/SOUTHPORTCENTRAL2.jpg


http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v316/RADULA/SOUTHPORTCENTRAL3.jpg

Sorry if the article's a bit hard for some to read. It says there will be three towers, with the first stage of the development being 8 storeys of offices. It says the 1st tower is 40 storeys, with the 8 of offices and 31 of residential. I'm not sure if they will build the whole tower in one go, or just the offices first.

It doesn't mention the height of the faded tower on the left, but I counted around 45-50 storeys. I'm guessing the third tower will be behind these two, as it is a long site.

Man, you bothered to count all those floors?! Thats an awesome looking project, the tower on the right looks a bit like the Circle on Cavill towers. Hopefully this project turns out as good as Chevron Renaissance did.

wow, looks great pog. Southport has a height limit of 40storeys so it will be interesting to see how raptis will convince council.but the tallest looks enormous.
Raptis a great firm.the shortest tower in that pic looks approx 100m high, so the taller one is close to 130m+
cheers

Wow - never heard of this one before. Gold Coast is amazing!!! It just keeps on growing upward.

Southport is a great CBD and a fantastic shopping area being very traditional - like you would find in a capital city CBD, this will enhance its importance.

jt

here we go again--------------------sales so far in stage one have reached over
100 apartments out of 230----- worth about $53 million 40 per cent of buyers came from nsw 40per cent from qld 20per cent from rest of australia.stage 1 was launched in late december .----yes its all go here again------

thats amazing!! some people have some bloody money! thats with the GC, the units always sell! so i guess the first tower will commence asap? ill have to ask architect the RL of the first tower. i have a feeling it will be higher then Pivotal Point.

must be going to start soon . drove past site today and there is a big hole at east end
still digging------ it was flat ground a few weeks ago

This place just keeps surprising me. GC is still investor mad, will it ever end?

^Let's hope not.

Some pics of this new development, taken today:

Billboards all around the site
http://www.cmrdesign.net/towers/southport-central-site.jpg

http://www.cmrdesign.net/towers/southport-central-site2.jpg

Managed to poke the camera over the top of the billboards ;)
http://www.cmrdesign.net/towers/southport-central-hole.jpg

Some links to pics of the sales centre and an aerial map:
http://www.cmrdesign.net/towers/sc-sales-centre.jpg
http://www.cmrdesign.net/towers/sc-sales-centre2.jpg
http://www.cmrdesign.net/towers/southport-central-map.jpg

Cheers
Charlotte

thanks again for pix.you will notice theres no actual construction yet. the DA of latest design hasnt actually been approved yet.hopefully soon.
cheers

If only Brisbane had so little heritage that developers could build everywhere.

Fantastic development though.

^You want Brisbane to have less heritage?

No of course not, I was actually taking a poke at GC for having so little.

No of course not, I was actually taking a poke at GC for having so little.

Fair play that, I think they might start listing Fibro split-levels soon.

wow i always go past the site but i never knew what was being built there! I cant wait till this one is up, so many projects taking place in southport eh

why is this getting so long to get approved???

^I don't think it's gone to the council's planning committee yet.

I went into the Raptis sales centre at Chevron Renaissance yesterday, saw the model. The tallest tower was 50 stories. I reckon they're dreaming if they think they can get past Southport's height restrictions. Hey, that might be a reason it's all taking so long too.

according to Emporis, Tower 1 is already approved

speaking of which, Cul, I think Emporis needs to be updated. Particularly with the Southport Central development. And what is this Seachange development? Is that part of Brighton on Broadwater?

Also, there is Raptiz Plaza A & B and Raptis Centre(All Proposed). I wouldn't have a clue what they are.

ill ask GCCC today what go is.
ive updated emporis as good as the latest stats allow.
Seachange is Brighton Broadwater.

approved!!! 112m! only 12m shorter then Pivotal point.
just got email from GCC planner. the 34storey stage 1 tower was approved on friday! its 112m to LMR or 105m to roof.Its al lowest end of street -Lawson & scarborough sts. only 8.8mRl there
construction to commence asap!

wow great news!

Awesome news, Southports skyline just gets better!

yeah ^^

it would be great to see a 50story tower up there too , which i doubt...:)

^ there is a 40storey height limit.
heres a B&W san of rear elevation of first tower.
the colours sound great!
there will be a silver metallic finish to random panels. all balcony slab edges will be painted black.crtain walling will be "seal grey" colour.parts of upper levels will have dark blue glazing!
just on the number of floors
there is a ground floor retail.
the next 5 floors are 3.5m high and are office space.
then levels 6-29 are resi with just 2.750mm floor-floor height.
then levels 30-35 are penthouses with 3m heights.

rear elevation
http://img183.exs.cx/img183/2528/southportcntral6sr.jpg

cul, im aware of that :D
but
The tallest tower was 50 stories.

^believe me, cul, the middle tower was 50 stories.

I counted them myself.

Thanks for the descriptive info on the building cul though i find it a bit hard to see it in my mind :nuts:

Thanks for the descriptive info on the building cul though i find it a bit hard to see it in my mind :nuts:

There's a colour rendering of the front of the tower on the previous page of this thread - I presume this is what it will look like.

nice

not sure why raptis has shown the 2nd stage as 50storeys.? theres definatley only a 40storey height limitation for Southport!

maybe the limit got lifted? Doubt it, probs a mistake.

A mistake by the developer? On the renderings and the models? I don't think so. I think Raptis is going to try and get the height limit lifted. I'm not 100% sure the planning committee chairman, Ted Shepard will agree to lift the height limit.

heh lifting the height limit sounds fine to me, actuallly it will be awesome cause of the possiblity of other bigger projects that may take place in the future.

^ hey ill ask my contact at GCCC about height limit in Southport. maybe it has been lifted or maybe Raptis are dreaming?

lol ok good idea, the current height limit isnt very high so i dont think it will be too much of a problem

what we need is density!, not height!

We NEED density.

We WANT density and height.

According to my information, Raptis proposal for the three staged project is 35 stories, 50 stories, 40 stories. However, stage 2 and stage 3 are still being considered and engaging architectural plan.

There were talks about increase the first stage to 40 levels but it remains at 35. The whole residential tower has been released for sale now but Level 6 to 8 of the commercial offices are held for later release.

The Aldy Group took on this project prior to its December launch in October, our Sydney office sold the majority of the released project. Aldy Brisbane launched it in November, and personally I bought a two bed room apartment facing South East on level 28... great buy...

Last week Raptis released Level 29 and above... with the top level 3 bed 2 bath close to $1 Million.

This development site was originally owned by the owner of Australia Fair (Yu Feng Group) and Raptis built 600 carpark spaces for Australia Fair. Direct access is available from Southport Central into Australia Fair. Exciting Investment.

^ Nice, level 28. You must be looking forward to checking it out once it's built. The views to Surfers will be awesome.

So any news on the start date for actual construction (as opposed to digging dirt)?

We NEED density.

We WANT density and height.
yeah :)

i for myself dont have a clue when its gonna start but if i find out ill post it on, i may actually visit the site myself and take some pics:D

According to Raptis Group Southport Central Project Development Manager Don Black, they have already commenced construction, and the smaller commercial towers and commercial part of tower 1 will be completed by about Nov 2005. Tower 1 Residential are looking at finishing by mid next year.

Fionn from marketing said that Raptis is capable of building 1 level every three days.

welcome lordbylon! yeah Raptis have a hide to propose a 50storey when the height limit outside of central Surfers is 40storeys, thus the reason why Pivotal Point was limited to 40storeys.but good on them if they persuade GCCC to let a 50storey through.ive got plans of the first tower and i was amazed how they have reduced there floors to only 2.75m floor to floor! thats unheard of these days!.(but i did notice top 6 floors are 3m fl-fl.).
if the 2nd tower is built to 50storeys with low floors, it would only be approx 140m tall.
cheers

"only" 140m :D

yeah it is pretty short for 50st, but we should be happy :)

well Pivotal Point is 124m and it stands out like rats testicles.,so 140m and a more elevated plot should look super!!

^lol, well this is just great news, i am definetely keepin an eye on this post and on this project:D

Saw a hint of a core yesterday over the hoardings, but it may have been something else, I could only see the very top of it. I'll try and get some southport pics on friday.

that would be great. im just about to update June 1 diagrams.
cheers

http://www.cmrdesign.net/towers/040605/southport-central-040605.jpg

yes, yes you did. Very nice work FireFly

yeah, we're seeing progress, finally a crane :D

Seems like Raptis is going ahead with have a 40 level tower one instead of 35, the Aldy Group will be having a pre-market launch for levels 35 to 39 for the residential tower towards later this month. If I know how to put a picture on the forum and have a big enough scanner for the new artist impression of the whole development, you would love it too... but too bad that my investment will no longer be the highest 2 bed room facing south east anymore.

took these from the bus, because it's dangerous in South Central.

http://img299.echo.cx/img299/7725/southcentral29na.jpg

http://img299.echo.cx/img299/3600/southcentral14dl.jpg

nice pics kwig, progress is coming along good

http://www.cmrdesign.net/towers/southport-central-050705.jpg

Plus I stole a brochure from a real estate and managed a decent scan of the render thats kicking around:

http://www.cmrdesign.net/towers/southport-central-render.jpg

thanks everyone! its progressing well.be interesting to see if the 50storey gets through.
cheers

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v175/kwigibo/southcentralone.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v175/kwigibo/southcentraltwo.jpg

Progress coming along good, cheers for the pic kwig

the one were seeing is the smaller one right?

been a whole month since last update. anyone been out there?
i have a few to update for sept1 diagrams. i might have to start guessing.

Cul this one is progressing very fast - its at least 4-6 levels in the core and about 3-4 that have actually been constructed. There is lots of building going on around the base as well. If you can wait until this afternoon, I can get a more definite idea for you.

many thanks ff!!
look forward to it.

What is the transparent building to the left?

^its stage 2 bldg envelope. the height limit for Southport is 40storeys and that bldg you can see is approx 50storeys. maybe its wishful thinking?

Its a little hard to tell, but my 'educated guess' is pretty much spot on - looks about 4 levels in core and about 3 in actual constructed level. There is heaps of contruction and roadworks going on in Southport at the moment, its a bit of a mess but will be worth it I'm sure.

^ has it risen lately? i never get the chance to goto southport...

Yeah it sure has. I can try and get some photos but because of all the roadworks going on around the place, and the other construction (of the retail area, I assume) its hard to find a good vantage point. You can actually see it starting to rise and be visible when heading up Ferry Rd towards Southport, and from a few other places.

any photos this month? just updating Oct 1, diagrams.
cheers

Fireflymairi, any chance of seeing how Southport Central is going. dont have to take a pic just what you reckon core/bldg is at? appreciate anything
cheers

Just been to Southport to take some pics Cul, they will be up shortly ;)

Culwulla I will have you know that I braved crazy traffic conditions and irate drivers, plus being wolf-whistled at and hassled by a gang of derro-looking blokes standing at the bus stop, for these photos. Downtown Southport is not a nice place to be at the moment!

The whole complex - I assume the structure on the left is going to be retail?
http://www.cmrdesign.net/towers/southport-cntrl--complex-260905.jpg

The actual Southport Central tower under construction
http://www.cmrdesign.net/towers/southport-cntrl-260905.jpg

Is that some shiny looking glass I spy under all that?
http://www.cmrdesign.net/towers/southport-cntrl-glass-260905.jpg

The rear (western side) of the buildings
http://www.cmrdesign.net/towers/southport-cntrl-back-260905.jpg

gee sorry flyfireM, didnt mean for you to go out of your way. We all appreciate your efforts! its coming along. i think bldg to left is retail.
looks like floor plates @ lev7, or podium level roof /first tower floor and core @ 10?

heres the render showing small blue bldg @ left.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v316/RADULA/SOUTHPORTCENTRAL1.jpg

sorry to hear you got hassled
How come Southport has gone ferral? will these projects improve the city centre?
again thanks FF! wonderful!

Wow, great pics fireflymairi, and reflective glass strikes again, that will look wicked, sorta like Southport's Chevron Renaisance.

Yeah looks like that shiny dark blue glass corresponds to the podium, which is probably almost finished with the tower/apartment levels starting construction soon.

Hehe nah don't worry, it wasn't all bad. The CBD of Southport is just a bit of a mess at the moment so I guess a lot of people aren't going there to shop if they have their own transport, but all the people that use buses still are. The new developments should really lift the tone of the area, plus all the new streetscaping and renovations. Down near Pivotal Point it's much better.

If you look closely you can see the first level of the tower. Its funny you say that about Southport being a bit of a mess at the moment. My mum has just moved to Southport, and refuses to go to Australia Fair because the roads are such a mess at the moment.

3 cheers for ffm for the most comprehensive GC construction update EVER!!!!! Awesome!

haha thanks MrTall.... :D

Yep great job fireflymairi, love the updates, particulary my fav The Circle!:)

Culwulla I will have you know that I braved crazy traffic conditions and irate drivers, plus being wolf-whistled at and hassled by a gang of derro-looking blokes standing at the bus stop, for these photos.LOL firefly what a nightmare! Well done on nailing all your shots under pressure.

Even I can feel people staring at me when I'm alone with the camera. They're thinking, "what's this weirdo up to? Casing out the site for a robbery I bet." No wolf whistles though. (well I'd hope not)

http://www.realestate.com.au/objects/props/0437/102650437ml1125974945.jpg

Raptis filling up Southport Central (http://www.theaustralian.news.com.au/common/story_page/0,5744,16816694%255E25658,00.html) - article from The Australian (5/10/05). Nothing special in it, just that retail section should open in December and 70% of retail speces are sold.

The podium areas look sensational - another pic from Southport Central website (http://www.southportcentral.com.au/southport/page/296)
http://www.kabport.com/vgallery/173/109/SouthportCentralPiazza.jpg

And great updates as always firefly. You have my admiration. When I'm taking pics I'm always conscious of people staring, I often wait till there's no one coming - unfortunately/thankfully people is something there isn't very many of in Townsville's CBD :)

when i take photos i sometimes get approached by security or construction workers. I must look mean.lol they tend to leave me alone or ask what im doing. i just flash council badge and say im doing an audit on safety issues and they quickly walk away.lol

bump

The red and blue part of the commercial segment is already visible.

Apparently the commercial stage will be opened in December. That area of Southport is still a mess with the road works going on.

can anyone get out there for a pic before nov1? lol

checkout this old pic. i havent seen this angle beofre. you can see southport site to right

http://www.realestate.com.au/objects/props/4101/5134101ml1128096910.jpg

sure does look flat...

Taken today
http://img478.imageshack.us/img478/7257/sc10gw.jpg
http://img478.imageshack.us/img478/2591/sc32hz.jpg
http://img478.imageshack.us/img478/1005/sc41jt.jpg
http://img478.imageshack.us/img478/8317/sc24ps.jpg

that glass looks nice :cool:

Nicely covered DJ and you beat me to it. I made a special detour for a look around this one - we probably walked straight past each other :shocked:

Anyway it's about 10 storeys tall of floors and 15 all up.

looking southwest (http://www.ct4host.lunarpages.com/gc/sc00.jpg)
looking west (http://www.ct4host.lunarpages.com/gc/sc01.jpg)
looking east thru site (http://www.ct4host.lunarpages.com/gc/sc02.jpg)

This one is starting to looking excellent.

excellent guys. thanks for updates. yeah looks about 14 or 15 in core.or 45m.
cheers

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v437/citiboy/SOUTHPORT.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v175/kwigibo/southcent.jpg

Taken yesterday of Southport Central and the almost completed streetscaping. The glass is just looking fantastic on this building - so shiny!

Oh and I had to contend with the insightful intelligence of the ever-present council workers as I was taking the pics - thought this comment - "Haven't ya seen a building before or sumthin?" - was an absolute classic lol.

http://www.cmrdesign.net/towers/southport-central-211105-2.jpg

http://www.cmrdesign.net/towers/southport-central-211105-3.jpg

http://www.cmrdesign.net/towers/southport-central-211105.jpg

http://www.cmrdesign.net/towers/southport-central-211105-street.jpg

http://www.cmrdesign.net/towers/southport-central-211105-street2.jpg

Excellent set of pictures there fireflymairi

Looking really good!!! Its amazing that this one seemed to be a proposal one day and start construction and be this far along so quickly. And the streetscaping looks really good!! All this construction and the streetscaping are going to make a huge difference to Southport, really bring it up to date with the rest of the urban improvement of the GC.

Damn firefly, you're really taking a verbal hammering everytime you visit Southport Central. Thanks for stepping into the line of fire for us once again :) Kwigibo too - that's a a nice shot.

The glass reminds me of Collection House in Brisbane with the little cut out bits:
http://img400.imageshack.us/img400/8640/1003339s1yy.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

yeah, its always nice to have some glass :cool:

excellent ff! well done. Southport central is really rejuvinating this part of southport. I count 12 levels + 4 in core? yes the glass is great, thats basically due to being the office section of the project. i wonder if taller towers application is in yet with gccc?
cheers

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v437/citiboy/sc3213.jpg

Damn firefly, you're really taking a verbal hammering everytime you visit Southport Central. Thanks for stepping into the line of fire for us once again :) Kwigibo too - that's a a nice shot.

The glass reminds me of Collection House in Brisbane with the little cut out bits:
http://img400.imageshack.us/img400/8640/1003339s1yy.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

Holy crap, I have never seen this building in my life! How did I miss it. lol

Fantastic pix, Wow looks like they are gonna run the shiny glass all the way up the tower judging from that rear shot. That will look SEX! SEX! as the WA forumers say:P

Fantastic pix, Wow looks like they are gonna run the shiny glass all the way up the tower judging from that rear shot. That will look SEX! SEX! as the WA forumers say:P

I think you'll find the dark blue shiny glass is only for the commercial part, if your look at this pic from firefly you can see the first part of the aqua colour for the residential section. It still looks pretty good in the flesh :)
http://www.cmrdesign.net/towers/southport-central-211105-2.jpg
The commercial section will be open by Decemember, and the tower should be completed by the end of next year.

As for the other 2 towers, and the hospital they want to build on the end will depend on the market. What I hear is they have approval for the 2nd tower at 40 stories at the moment, and Jim Raptis is appealing for the Council to allow it to go to 50. With this Council you never know which way they'll go!

Damn firefly, you're really taking a verbal hammering everytime you visit Southport Central. Thanks for stepping into the line of fire for us once again :) Kwigibo too - that's a a nice shot.



She's more man than me, you'll notice all my shots of Southport projects are taken through windows or from roofs, the scarborough street crowd aren't the kind to appreciate architectural curiosity. Main Beach is the place to take pictures, it's dead on weekdays, you can just never get good line of sight.

That aqua stuff looks shiny as well though DeejayT, or maybe that's just the pics, but it sure looks shiny.

In any case, look pretty good so far!

Taken today
http://img514.imageshack.us/img514/6476/sc19fn.jpg

excellent. raptis have gone all out, even wih the coloured formwork.
cheers

bump

Some shops in the retail section of this development opened yesterday.

anyone got some photo updates?

yes, ill need anpdate this week for the xmas shutdown diagram updates.

http://www.cmrdesign.net/towers/southport-central-retail2-201205.jpg

http://www.cmrdesign.net/towers/southport-central-retail-201205.jpg

http://www.cmrdesign.net/towers/southport-central-resitower-201205.jpg

http://www.cmrdesign.net/towers/southport-central-officetower-201205.jpg

http://www.cmrdesign.net/towers/southport-central-all-201205.jpg

http://www.cmrdesign.net/towers/southport-central-201205.jpg

nice, looks like a quality development. i count 16 floors + 2 in core=18
many thanks again ff.

This tower is looking great, thanks ff

There was an article in the Bulletin this weekend about the second tower. It seems the second tower is going to be the same height as the first, 40 stories I think it said.

bah, i'll just take some pictures.

http://img275.imageshack.us/img275/4159/dscf30142rl.th.jpg (http://img275.imageshack.us/my.php?image=dscf30142rl.jpg)

Here's the article

http://img310.imageshack.us/img310/8743/dscf30178ve.th.jpg (http://img310.imageshack.us/my.php?image=dscf30178ve.jpg)

thanks kwig. well the height limit outside of surfers is 40storeys, so i suppose they had to bite the bullet.
its being realised 6 months early? wow, no sign of downturn in surfers.%80 sold in 1st tower.construction to start in May! wow, not mucking around.
hope some other big towers start up in southport.
cheers

at 40storeys its 5 more levels then the 112m stage 1 tower, so ill guess its approx 120m high.
ill get official height this week when i contact raptis.
http://img361.imageshack.us/img361/314/southportcentral6et.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v437/citiboy/abcdefgh.jpg

am i right in saying SC is the only skyscraper uc in Southport?

I think you're right cul:( Just wonderrin, wasnt nexis towers supposed to be painted blue or somethin? I wasnt around on completion so im confused:S

yes i think this is the only really tall building going up in southport at the moment there are a few less than 10 floors about to start though

^ yeah theres a couple of smallies and of course the 2nd tower of southport central is scheduled to start in june. what happened to the boom? then again meritons massive Brighton on broadwater is an on going complex with a 30storey set to start this year.
http://www.skyscrapercity.com/showthread.php?t=281434
next tower to rise for meriton
100m/30st MARINA
http://img432.imageshack.us/img432/159/marina8ag.jpg

SOME OF THE UNDER 12ST PROJECTS>

Luxe -10st
http://www.realestate.com.au/objects/props/8133/102108133mm1103609144.jpg

Aqualine-7st
http://www.realestate.com.au/objects/props/7528/102077528mm1102310898.jpg

Whatever happened to "Icon" and "Insignia". Are these projects on hold or dead?!

Icon
http://www.goldcoastaustralia.com/Southport-Icon/images/icon1234.jpg

I can't find a render for the Insignia development. If I remember correctly it was quite a stunning design.

yes Icon would be great. not sure?
the 35st/114m Insignia would of been great addtion to the southport area.
> http://www.emporis.com/en/il/im/?id=257526
I know the site or DA was for sale last year. maybe waiting for some one to develope it.

bump. sorry to bump all these but its that time of month again.

this morning -

http://www.ct4host.lunarpages.com/gc/IMG_7122_1024.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v437/citiboy/sou.jpg

excellent guys.
looking at plans, i count 19 floors and 22 in core.or 67m. aprox half way up!
really stands out.
cheers

Tower 2 Render - Does this tower get its own thread?

http://img155.imageshack.us/img155/9317/southporttower21zj.jpg

wow, thanks deejayt
since its stage 2 of complex may as well leave it here, but i will change thread title.
ive yet to find official height. my contact at GCCC has left ;-(

heres recent pic by locke from q1. Southport really is extending the skyline. You can see southport central rising. should look good with stage 2 and Vic cross tower!

http://img152.imageshack.us/img152/3090/q0115zd.jpg

OFFICIAL HEIGHT OF STAGE 2
130M!
will be tallest building in Southport.
I got call, from raptis Group today.
Its RL is 138m compared to 130m for Pivotal point, so it should look good on skyline.

130m, interesting, thought it would be shorter, but the height limits in Southport all the same should go, they're pointless.

latest photo from Q1 by deejayt
approx lev26 in core.
http://img238.imageshack.us/img238/7430/central3ly.jpg

Updates ... a little late, but better late then never! :) To make up for it I've included some skyline shots, but the weather today was crap!

http://img133.imageshack.us/img133/7954/closeup5rb.jpg

http://img133.imageshack.us/img133/1138/skyline14kc.jpg

http://img147.imageshack.us/img147/8517/boat3fe.jpg

http://img147.imageshack.us/img147/3220/spit6fw.jpg

Seems to be doing to Southport what Chevron Renaissance did to Surfers.

Southport Central retailers off to a flying start
The Courier-Mail Mar 10, 2006

TENANTS in the first stage of Raptis Group's Southport Central have opened for trade, with 90 per cent of the retail precinct now committed.

Only three retail tenancies in stage one of the $700 million development, which was completed in December, remain available for lease. National coffee chain Hudson Coffee was one of the first retailers to snare space, along with Carat Thai Restaurant, Daniel Stuart Fine Foods, Scooter, C-Bar Espresso, Mind Body Me and Living Energies. Tenants have signed leases for five years at an average rental of $800/sq m.

Hudson Coffee national development manager Julian McKernan said the company was keen to open a new store in the development because of its location in Southport's CBD. "This is the first Hudson Coffee to be located on the Gold Coast," Mr McKernan said. "When we inquired about Southport Central's retail component we were attracted to the quality design of the project and the potential for growth."

The first stage of the multi-purpose development comprises a total of 1750sq m in 29 separate retail spaces. Raptis Group project development manager Don Black said the majority of businesses committed to space in the retail precinct were from the Gold Coast, confirming the local confidence in the area. "Currently we only have three retail spaces remaining, ranging in size from 35sq m to 120sq m, all with a strong level of interest from both local and national businesses," Mr Black said.

Southport Central's multi-use complex comprises three residential towers with more than 35,000sq m of commercial office suites, an integrated shopping and dining precinct and a private hospital. When completed, the development, spanning an 18,130sq m site, will be home to more than 1000 employees and 2500 residents.

Raptis Group chairman Jim Raptis said he believed Southport Central would bring people back to the Gold Coast's CBD. "Southport Central will have a similar effect of urban renewal that we have seen with the Towers of Chevron Renaissance in Surfers Paradise, plus with the earlier developments like the Phoenician in Broadbeach," Mr Raptis said. "It seems the dynamics of (Southport) are changing and increasing in pace. "You can see that people are coming back to Southport for business, to live
and also to enjoy a new quality lifestyle."

This morning from the lookout -

http://www.ct4host.lunarpages.com/gc/IMG_7962.jpg

IMO this is one of the most underated projects in SEQ at the moment. The effect it will have on Southport will be enormous.

Taken today
http://img97.imageshack.us/img97/4272/sc18wy.jpg
http://img122.imageshack.us/img122/6559/sc25fz.jpg

thanks for piccies guys! ive worked out core is at lev29 or 88m high. still way to go. hard to believe the 2nd stage tower will be 8m higher above sea level then pivotal point! this wil creat a nice impact on skyline especially with the enormous Victoria Cross tower opposite Southport central.
cheers

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v437/citiboy/south22.jpg

great. should look good with another 8 levels.
cheers

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v437/citiboy/photoesfromboatofthegoldcoast008.jpg

thanks citiboy. bit hard to make out, looks like up to lev31 in core or 95m.
really stands out now. its twin should be ,much welcomed, as with vic cross tower.

Updates for today
http://img65.imageshack.us/img65/6766/cimg0690large9lk.jpg
http://img65.imageshack.us/img65/8522/cimg0692large8lh.jpg

starting to get a bit of a skyline now.
with stage 2 of southport central & Vic cross. should be good.
thanks deejayt

Yes, this is fantastic. They're going to have Hudson's Coffee in there. Had it for the first time when I was in Melbourne for the Commonwealth Games. LOVE IT. Better than Starbucks, prefer their hot drinks over Gloria Jeans

Today from Q1

http://img91.imageshack.us/img91/7951/img0115large5xj.jpg

thanks deejayt.now i can count floors more accurate. floors are up to 26 and core @ 30!

cheers

heres a pic from realestate.com
this project is quality. love the colours. and designs.
http://www.realestate.com.au/objects/props/6314/102796314ml1143177128.jpg

the colours are great love the red looks good with blue . once red (signal red , fire engine red) was a trim colour
now some are using it on walls outside---it makes a real statement --southport central will really give southport a real lift this street looks real good now plants new roads footpaths a very good change to a once tired area.

wow this tower looks the biz, i really like it ;)

yeah quite stunning, glad its not the typical gold coast apartment tower podium either, i love these new retail precints at the bottom of the towers, give the street scape a much livelier feel to it.

Looks so alone!!! Can't wait untill its 2 bigger brothers and vic cross tower comes and gives it some company :)

http://img82.imageshack.us/img82/9014/img0680large0ci.jpg

http://img82.imageshack.us/img82/4286/img0688large8ks.jpg

Arty shots
http://img82.imageshack.us/img82/632/img0684large8fi.jpg

http://img88.imageshack.us/img88/8076/img0666large0bf.jpg

http://img82.imageshack.us/img82/8376/img0681large1by.jpg

Nice southport needs a bit more density but there are defenitly some classy towers on the way for southport

Sorry about the size but I just noticed the 3 model towers in one of the pic above. Looks like the 3rd tower is just a bit smaller then the 2nd one

http://img83.imageshack.us/img83/5173/models5my.jpg

wow great shots. looking good.the 2nd tower looks awesome.
hey a 3rd tower? the 3rd tower suposed to be only 14storeys.wishful thinking?

The material raptis gave me when I was looking at offices in the tower indicate three mixed use highrises, and two further commercial towers/medical buildings which were supposed to be around 14 stories. I assume this to be the small building in the model pics. Sorry for the quality but this was just a quick pic showing what I'm talking about

http://img88.imageshack.us/img88/6236/img0724large0vp.jpg

God I love the use of red in the podium, I actually wish they had used a bit more in the tower. It really make an awesome statement, so bold and kind of fuck you Im here, like it or fuck off!!!!!! I hope this is a taste of things to come for all of Southport.

thanks deejayt. its great having 3 towers. love the layout at street.
the 1st tower is up to lev33 in core,so 2 or 3 more rises.
cheers

Heres a shot from tonight. I'm working on a pano from Southport to Main Beach which I'll upload later

http://img362.imageshack.us/img362/1669/img0797large1sh.jpg

cool, whats the ground in foreground with light towers?

That would be Carrara Stadium.

^Nah, Carrara Stadium is on the left, lights out. All that light is coming from Emerald Lakes Golf Course You can play night golf there.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v437/citiboy/so88989.jpg

Update drive by for today
http://img83.imageshack.us/img83/5548/img0827large2dg.jpg

wow, over 30storeys! thanks again !

From today ....this has to be one of the few threads were there are more pics then replies!

http://img66.imageshack.us/img66/4485/img0939large6pv.jpg

Cheers DeejayT, it's a nice complex, somehow though I just can't get excited about Southport, it's the darn 40 storey limit I think.

fantastic pic deejayt!! by my calcs, the towers core has topped out, with a floor/plate to go.
chheerss

From Q1 today

http://img127.imageshack.us/img127/8218/img1225large2fz.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v437/citiboy/968c47b3.jpg

Nice, Southport is building a nice little skyline it must be said, probably on average with more taller buildings than a city like Adelaide by now.

Cheers DeejayT, it's a nice complex, somehow though I just can't get excited about Southport, it's the darn 40 storey limit I think.

Hey that just means that all the 40 storey or less buildings can go to southport and Surfers can just be inundated with taller ones!!!

great shots guys. the core has topped out and looks like the top floor has to be constructed. its a nice addition to southy. As for the 40storey height limit. Im not sure. I was talkingt o a guy at raptis last week about the stage 2 tower and he said it could of gone to 50storeys but was scaled back to 40st due to costs. I think council will let good quality developemts go above 40st if location and scale is right. the stage 2 is set to start within2 months.

crap shot

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v175/kwigibo/sthcent.jpg

There was a lift out today in the GC Bulletin about Southport Central, nothing really exciting apart from the company boasting about thier newly desinged class facade seen in the commerical bits. IMO just an expensive advert!

Pics from today
http://img210.imageshack.us/img210/6723/img1351large4ax.jpg http://img210.imageshack.us/img210/7034/img1354large9xf.jpg

yes, the glass is exceptional and creates a nice streetscape addition. the next tower should start this month and hopefully adjacent Vic cross will also start this year.
looks like floor plates have caught up to core.
thanks

^^ Still one floorplate to go Cul.

Tower 3 looks like 45 storeys:

Jim hopes Southport project will be a towering success
31 May 2006 The Gold Coast Bulletin

DEVELOPER Jim Raptis has the art of urban renewal down to a science - the study of his gut feeling.

The Raptis Group's multimillion-dollar developments have been credited with turning around troubled suburbs such as Surfers and Southport, with Chevron Renaissance and now the triple-towered $700 million Southport Central turning the tide to lure both locals and tourists.

At the launch of the $220 million second tower last night, Mr Raptis said he was confident his Southport project would succeed in making the suburb the Gold Coast's cosmopolitan capital.

"I know this project will work because I can feel it in my gut," said the Raptis Group chairman.

"It's a special feeling that you can't put your finger on, but it feels right. It happened at Chevron Renaissance and the Phoenician in Broadbeach and now it's happening here. The project just takes on a life of its own.

"This is my favourite part of developing, once you've got the urban design right, the rest will follow.

"Creating inviting spaces on the ground is even more important than the building above it, because on the street is where people touch and feel the project. It must give something to everyone, not just the people inside the building. That is the secret."

Southport Central will include more than 700 luxury apartments, an integrated retail and dining precinct and more than 400 boutique commercial office spaces covering 35,000sqm when completed.

Mr Raptis said construction of the 40-storey tower `one' would be completed in July, when work on 40-storey tower `two' would begin. He expects construction of the 45-storey tower `three' to begin before the completion of tower `two' in December, 2007.

Raptis Group has already leased more than 90 per cent of the shops in the first stage of the retail precinct.

"Who would have imagined just one year ago that we would all be sitting in Southport having coffee at a trendy cafe? The suburb has a new life now."

what great news. imagine the density in the area.these 3 towers plus vic cross.I have a feeling the 3rd tower will be tallest outside of Surfers! approx 140m.
Jim Raptis is a legend. so much vision. has really reguvinated southy.
cheers

current list in emporis for southport
top 1 (over 90m).
# Name Type Height Floors Year
1 Southport Central (Tower C.. /140 m 45 2008 prop
2 Southport Central (Tower B.. /130 m 40 2007 prop
3 Coral /130 m 40 prop
4 Pivotal Point /124 m 40 2004
5 Victoria Cross Towers /123 m 37 prop
6 Insignia Tower /114 m 35 prop
7 Southport Central (Tower A.. /112 m 34 2006 UC
8 Shores /106 m 31 2005
9 Marina /100 m 30 2007 UC
10 Rivage Royale /93 m 30 1992
11 Nexus Towers I /90 m 26 2005

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v437/citiboy/Mail0010.jpg













photo from lockes thread today

Some update pics from today...

http://www.cmrdesign.net/towers/southport-central-070606.jpg

http://www.cmrdesign.net/towers/southport-central-retail-070606.jpg

http://www.cmrdesign.net/towers/southport-central-dining-070606.jpg

Modern Colours - love the red!

^ yeah it looks so modern and classy :cool:

great phots ffm. what a good quality project.

From today
http://img153.imageshack.us/img153/556/img1545large1uv.jpg

checkout the glass on office levels. great! only plant to go and then tower no 2 to start.
cheers

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v175/kwigibo/sctd.jpg

great shot, ill say it again, raptis build such quality developments.

Yes - love the glass. GC should have more of it

Today
http://img138.imageshack.us/img138/4244/img1643large5vt.jpg

http://img138.imageshack.us/img138/581/img1646large1ii.jpg

http://img220.imageshack.us/img220/2747/img1654large2si.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

good shots i like that glass on the top of the building

Today, the steel structure for the roof is being assembled
http://img135.imageshack.us/img135/2052/img1676large9oc.jpg

http://img135.imageshack.us/img135/5338/img1664large5vx.jpg

http://img135.imageshack.us/img135/5615/img1667large5zf.jpg

Imagine how much this will change over the next few years with 2 more Southport Central towers, Victoria Cross Tower and possible redevelopment of Icon and others!

http://img157.imageshack.us/img157/6939/img1843large8ij.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

Very nice! Southport will be a mini Surfers in the next few years...
Also...it seems that Brisbane towers are like snails compared to the GC towers...they are like Speedy Gonzales!

yes, southport wil look great in 5 years. a real extension of the surfers strip.
great piccies

Can somebody please count the no. of storeys on this thing. I still don't know you get 35???

your right mrtall. theres the 6storey office tower segment, then 3 more glass clad floors then 31 resdietnial floors,thus=40storeys.
it supposed to be 35?
It also looks higher then pivotal point? it supposed to be 112m. not 124m.
looks like i have investigating to do with Raptis.
ill let you know if the height has increased or if they reduced each 3m floor to slip in 5 more resis.
cheers

love this render
http://img92.imageshack.us/img92/5266/southporttwins7vg.jpg

I did the cranes on stage 1 and Level 40 was the roof deck, Level 41 the LMR then Feature Roof went to RL134.73m. Ground Level was RL8.5 and the lowest basement (Basement Level 2) was RL2.55m.
Hope this helps.

thanks mapps.
so 127m high. i spoke with Rapcivic today and he didnt have height but he thought 120m something. yes they did add 5more floors after original DA application.
so 127m or Rl135m approx is 5m higher then Pivotal points Rl of 130m. amazing. i thought it looked higher.
So at 127m it becomes GC 10th tallest bldg equal with Chevrons 3rd tower.
The stage 2 tower of Southport central will be 130m above grd or 138m.
cheers

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v437/citiboy/IMG_0039.jpg

Bye bye crane
http://img433.imageshack.us/img433/3976/img2061largeyg2.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

The roof looks good
http://img168.imageshack.us/img168/9390/img2072largeru7.jpg

http://img59.imageshack.us/img59/631/img2151largeqy5.jpg

http://img59.imageshack.us/img59/4569/img2149largezg8.jpg

Also excavations for the 2nd tower are well under way, and by the looks of it almost completed.

turned out good the glass is sweet

All done. Excavations for 2nd tower is almost complete as well. looks 2/3 floors under ground.

From Q1 today thru the rain
http://img245.imageshack.us/img245/130/img2340largeks1.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

what a great looking tower. real quality.
thanks again

The finished tower from the north (couldn't get a decent shot from the south as the sun was right behind it):

http://www.cmrdesign.net/towers/southport-central-040906.jpg

The retail area, starting to liven up a bit:

http://www.cmrdesign.net/towers/southport-central-retail-040906.jpg

The models:

http://www.cmrdesign.net/towers/southport-central-models-040906.jpg

Earthworks for tower 2:

http://www.cmrdesign.net/towers/southport-central2-earthworks-040906.jpg

great stuff flyfire.
ground level areas are awesome.
notice 3rd tower is just a block. this might go to 50 levels.
cheers

Thanks ffm. Great shots as always :okay:

Retail/plaza areas = Brissy Sq meets CoC ;)

It looks nothing like the model but the plaza is looking awesome!!!

^^ That is because that picture is of the back of the tower! The front looks very similar to the model.

Nice pics ffm!

Almost forgot about the 2nd tower! looks great ;)

Today's G.C. Bulletin

Tower shining light for future

28Sep06

DEVELOPER king Jim Raptis believes the opening of the first of three residential towers last night in Southport will make it as attractive to investors and unit dwellers as Surfers Paradise, Main Beach and Broadbeach.

Mr Raptis said the Southport Central tower project appealed to people who found the glitter strip too expensive.

"It costs a lot to live on the beach now and we're finding that Southport is becoming very popular because it is still close to the beaches but not as expensive," he said.

"Southport has been dormant for many years as people went for Surfers Paradise, Main Beach and Broadbeach.

"But Southport is waiting to happen. You've got the Sundale development and other big projects here and you will soon see it as the centre that it used to be.

"People will flock to these sort of developments because it is nice and new and fresh. We are part of the changing face of Southport."

Premier Peter Beattie last night officially opened the first 40-storey tower of the $700 million Raptis development.

About 400 of the city's movers and shakers attended the gala opening, which was moved from an outdoor area to the third floor pool precinct after rain.

Mr Beattie said Southport was undergoing a rejuvenation.

"There are a lot of jobs involved which is good for the community," he said.

"The construction phase alone is 1000 employees and 2500 residents.

"This development shows the Gold Coast economy is strong. The Gold Coast has come of age really."

Meanwhile, Mr Beattie rejected criticism that the Coast had been robbed of adequate Cabinet representation, after Tourism Minister Margaret Keech retained her role, but there were no additional local ministers.

"You never know your luck, there is talent here and over time you'll get a second minister," said Mr Beattie.

"Over the last few weeks I may as well have been living here.

"I think I'll have to buy one of Jimmy Raptis's units. We put a lot of money into the Coast and we have six seats here.

"The Gold Coast has provided more support for the Government than it ever has and they've supported me and I've supported them.

"I have returned that support in buckets.

"I want to hold these seats on the Coast for as long as we possibly can and we'll keep delivering to achieve that."

Construction of the second Southport Central tower has begun and is expected to be completed by February, 2008.

Mr Raptis said the triple-tower was the largest mixed-use development under construction in Australia.

He said the Gold Coast property market remained steady.

"It has come back ... 2005 and 2006 have been good steady years and I think it (the market) has held up very well," he said.

"Sydney and Melbourne have gone backwards but south- east Queensland has been good."

Tower One has 268 apartments with about 20 per cent of buyers being owner-occupiers.

When complete, Southport Central will have 730 new luxury apartments, ranging in price from $380,000 to $800,000. There will be 350 commercial office suites and 75 ground- floor retail tenancies.

Finally a morning shot from the south...

http://www.cmrdesign.net/towers/southport-central-011006-01.jpg

southport central is a really classy building

I love it!!!

I didnt think it was worth starting a new thread for this, so I've put it here - Can anyone upload the photos of Raptis' new house under construction in Commodore Drive, Paradise Waters. Apparently he has already knocked back $18m for it and its supposed to be unbelievable.

Really nice finish on the facade. Very good project.

I didnt think it was worth starting a new thread for this, so I've put it here - Can anyone upload the photos of Raptis' new house under construction in Commodore Drive, Paradise Waters. Apparently he has already knocked back $18m for it and its supposed to be unbelievable.

Oh yeah I saw that when we were on a boat cruise - the white one?
I'd love to know a bit more about that also...if anyone knows anything.

I hadn't heard the $18 million part.

Back on topic -Probably a stupid question but how does a developer like Raptis Group profit from a project like this?
730 apartments ranging from $350 - $800k doesnt seem earning anything.

What's interesting is that Rapcivic [Raptis' building company] is private ie he doesnt disclose the profit. This contracts to the public company, Raptis Group, which is the public development company ie shareholders take the risk of the project selling/making a profit. Last year Raptis Group reported a profit on the ASX of just $9.5m and in 2005 just $5.2m. Thats after many successful projects - Artique, Platinum On The River, Waters Edge, Southport Tower 1.
And yes, Raptis' house is the white house on the double waterfront block.

Yes, I saw the ASX results and wondered about that. After all, Sunland Group reported a profit of $72 million (but they do lots of other things as well).

I thought that profit seemed awfully low for Raptis.

Speaking of $$$s, there was a blurb in the weekend Sydney Morning Herald's Business Section on how Raptis wants to fast-track Tower 2 esp. for its extra 9,000 sq m of office space. I don't know it that's news or not lol

Finally a morning shot from the south...

http://www.cmrdesign.net/towers/southport-central-011006-01.jpg

i love the random art deco street light in the round about... im sure it matches something .... lol

Try "Victoriana"...but random, maybe.

Still digging

http://img138.imageshack.us/img138/7359/sclargepx4.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

Any updates on SC?

probably still digging.

Try "Victoriana"...but random, maybe.

sorry, im not up with my art period's.

^^ disappointed :ohno:

2 cranes up on the 2nd tower now, this will rise very quickly.

Can anyone explain to me how companies like Raptis and Sunland benefit from having their own construction companies (RapCivic, Sunland Constructions)?

Also, whats the deal with Raptis Group profits, about $10 million, that seems awfully low after several successful projects. How does this work in with RapCivic?

^^ I would think the advantage is that they don't pay like a commission to the builders. For example if it was a different company building as opposed to developing, the builders would want to charge their comstruction fees, plus profits for them. But if a developer builds as well, they can effectively cut out the builder's profit from their costs because they get the net profit at the end.