The City of Gold Coast has approved a development proposal for a 14-storey apartment building behind the existing façade of the Old Burleigh Theatre Arcade on the Gold Coast.
Designed by Conrad Gargett, the tower will include interpretive displays conveying the history of the site, and will seek to find a balance between “the conservation of what’s important fabric and creating a building that is of its place.”
The existing red brick building on the site was built in 1930 as the De Luxe Theatre, a picture theatre and dance hall. When developer Weiya Holdings first proposed demolishing the building to make way for the apartments in 2019, locals campaigned to have it saved, and it was placed on the local heritage register. Conrad Gargett then prepared designs retaining the heritage façade.
Burleigh De Luxe Apartments at 64 Goodwin Terrace by Conrad Gargett.
The design calls for original materials and fixtures to be reinstated, including the original awning design and theatre sign. A central arcade will allow the public into the building and will feature some historic photos of the building.
At the council meeting on 18 May, councillor Daphne McDonald attempted to amend the motion approving the project to ensure the developer reserves at least 1,000 square metres of the ground floor for use as a public arcade or gallery, “to recognize the building’s social importance as a place of gathering and entertainment.”
Her amendment was voted down.
Source: Architecture - architectureau
