the apartments would sit above three basement levels and a four-level podium comprising 10,000sq m of retail tenancies 3000sq m of office space/medical suites and 1460 carparks.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe redevelopment plans reflect a trend of landlords rethinking their under-utilised shopping centre assets with a view to increased density and redeveloping them into integrated-use sites—in particular with vertical residential components.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eBuilt in the early 1990s the Coles supermarket-anchored Benowa Gardens Shopping Centre features a 5856sq m gross floor area and 384 carparking spaces.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eIt spans a 17660sq m site bordered by Carrara Street as well as Ashmore and Benowa roads—next to Benowa State School and Pindara Private Hospital.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe neighbourhood retail asset—about 4km west of Surfers Paradise—was acquired by a south-east Queensland private investment group in 2022 for $60.5 million It was offloaded at a 50 per cent gross capital gain by Brisbane fund manager IJ Capital which had secured it for $40.1 million from Stockland less than two years earlier.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe masterplan proposal has been lodged by a Brisbane-based entity led by Wayner Lin Wei-Cheng Lu and Cing-Sung Tsai.\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\u003cdiv id=\"3qiPoaXyNqY2071EASdcHA\"\u003e\u003cpicture\u003e\u003cimg src=\"//images.ctfassets.net/8pr762qjocl3/7ICAk3UMmtBOrC94LDPDNW/596b84ac064930ebeaf8c4ba5d20ba83/Untitled_design_-_2025-03-19T163201.951.jpg\" alt=\"An artist's impression of the Benowa Gardens Shopping Centre redevelopment masterplan scheme \" data-mce-src=\"//images.ctfassets.net/8pr762qjocl3/7ICAk3UMmtBOrC94LDPDNW/596b84ac064930ebeaf8c4ba5d20ba83/Untitled_design_-_2025-03-19T163201.951.jpg\"\u003e\u003c/picture\u003e\u003cdiv\u003e\u003cspan style=\"opacity: 0.8;\" data-mce-style=\"opacity: 0.8;\"\u003e▲ An artist\u003cspan data-mce-style=\"font-family:'Times New Roman' serif;\" style=\"font-family:'Times New Roman' several key variations are being sought to the site’s Neighbourhood Centre zoning to deliver the proposed development.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThey include an increase in the maximum building height from 14m to 53m the introduction of short-term accommodation land use as well as increases in the gross-floor-area cap for retail land use allowable podium height and the introduction of additional setbacks and site-cover provision for residential uses.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e“The subject site is well-located with access to a range of local amenities and services as well as an established infrastructure network,” the report said.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e“It can therefore be reasoned that the increased building height and resultant residential density on the site would result in an appropriate in line with the outcomes of the ShapingSEQ Regional Plan.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e“The proposed development will repurpose the function of this existing neighbourhood centre to not only deliver local retail commercial and health services to the local community but also deliver much needed housing stock in different typologies.”\u003c/p\u003e\u003cdiv id=\"4r6kGIXKuvqtUO7XrFh9IJ\"\u003e\u003cpicture\u003e\u003cimg src=\"//images.ctfassets.net/8pr762qjocl3/11sRdJcoRMRcWmJolCNuni/1cebf6936bec31eeac3e79c947fa50f3/Untitled_design_-_2025-03-19T142454.255.jpg\" alt=\"Artist impressions of the planned ground-floor retail and podium component of the proposed Benowa Gardens Shopping Centre redevelopment \" data-mce-src=\"//images.ctfassets.net/8pr762qjocl3/11sRdJcoRMRcWmJolCNuni/1cebf6936bec31eeac3e79c947fa50f3/Untitled_design_-_2025-03-19T142454.255.jpg\"\u003e\u003c/picture\u003e\u003cdiv\u003e\u003cspan style=\"opacity: 0.8;\" data-mce-style=\"opacity: 0.8;\"\u003e▲ Artist impressions of the planned ground-floor retail and podium component of the proposed Benowa Gardens Shopping Centre redevelopment \u003c/span\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eTo be delivered in three stages the proposed redevelopment’s trio of towers—Carrara Tower (53m) Ashmore Tower (45m) and Benowa Tower (43m)—would accommodate 135 134 and 128 two and three-bedroom apartments respectively.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e“Currently the city has a significant housing shortage which is a relatively new phenomenon,” the documents said “The need for more housing is clear and evident throughout the community with housing affordability having plunged in recent times.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e“Housing is critical to a thriving city and while the housing market remains constrained on the Gold Coast we risk losing existing and potential future residents to more affordable markets.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e“These towers will deliver a mix of permanent and short-term accommodation serif;\"\u003e’\u003c/span\u003es impression of the street view of the proposed Benowa Gardens Shopping Centre redevelopment.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003cp\u003eAccording to the masterplan concept scheme designed by Neylan Architecture the communal open space is envisaged to be provided atop the podium and span a total of 4650 square metres.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eRetail space would comprise a 4000sq m supermarket anchor tenancy on the ground level and 6000sq m of specialty retail Parking for 970 vehicles would be accommodated across three basement levels as well as for an additional 490 vehicles on two podium levels.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e“From the outset it is important to note that the proposed variation seeks to facilitate land uses that are currently envisaged for the zone,” the planning report said “With the exception of short-term accommodation all proposed land uses can currently be established onsite as of right.”\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe planned addition of the short-term accommodation land use is “to support both visitors and patients of the proximate Pindara Hospital”.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e“The proposed development represents an appropriate future development plan that will deliver significant public benefits and improved urban design outcomes,” the report said Lendlease’s third residential building in the Collins Wharf precinct of Victoria Harbour.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe 28-storey building at 971 Collins Street in Melbourne’s Docklands will deliver 312 homes in a mix of one two and three-bedroom apartments as well as townhouses and penthouses.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eAccording to Lendlease the project has already secured more than 50 per cent in presales.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eHickory is the construction contractor—it completed the precinct’s first development in 2019 and is also working on LendLease’s second tower Regatta.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eFor Ancora Hickory is implementing several technical construction methods including various piling techniques and precast concrete solutions that enable a parallel-track construction program.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe building’s facade designed by architect Warren and Mahoney uses a three-stage design incorporating double-glazed glass and textured precast concrete with Reckli and brick finishes.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe structural design transitions from a solid podium base to lighter upper levels “reflecting a maritime theme” aligned with the Collins Wharf design objectives.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eAncora will connect to the neighbouring Regatta development via a podium allowing resident access to shared amenities.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eDesigned as an all-electric building that includes electric vehicle infrastructure the development is targeting a 5 Star Green Star certification Completion is expected in 2027.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eRegatta including build-to-rent and build-to-sell units.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003cp\u003eExtensive wharf works including remediation of pre-existing wharf piles installation of raker piles and construction of the extension to Australia Walk are also part of the project.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eTechnical challenges include constructing on the finger wharf and co-ordinating extensive above-wharf road reserve and public parkland works.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe Collins Wharf precinct will ultimately comprise six residential buildings of more than 1800 homes surrounded by over 5000sq m of parks and community space.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eLendlease is developing the parkland concurrently with the residential components including the extension of Australian Walk that forms part of the City of Melbourne’s Greenline project.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eLendlease executive director of development Adam Williams said Collins Wharf “is fast becoming a sought-after address .. which took just a handful of hours to emerge on Saturday night the Coalition’s failure to sway voters has come under intense scrutiny.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eIts lack of policies around property that resonated with voters has been a large part of that criticism.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eAmong those policies was a $5-billion infrastructure program to unlock up to 500,000 new homes was greeted with no small amount of scepticism.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe Coalition also campaigned on its previously revealed plan to allow first home buyers to draw down on their superannuation giving access to up to $50,000 to help fund mortgage deposits.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eWhile that proposal had won some support it got the thumbs down from many of Australia’s top economists who said the measure could prove highly inflationary among other issues.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eSimilarly its plan to allow mortgage interest for first home buyers to be tax-deductible was roundly criticised for its likely inflationary and regressive effects.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eIt has also been pointed out that the Coalition’s rejection of the Green’s policies around housing supply affordable housing and help for renters did it no favours.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe ALP went to the polls spruiking an extension of schemes introduced during its previous term including a $10-billion promise for its first-home buyers’ scheme to encourage 100,000 more homes.\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eIt also had its Help to Buy shared equity scheme under which the Government pays up to 40 per cent of the house price to point to.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eIf it was these policies per se or the lack of detail and depth to the Coalition’s the nation's ready for the Albanese government to act.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003cp\u003eWhat is clear been endorsed to follow through on its policies and fix the crisis that is crippling the Australian property sector.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eAs Urban Taskforce Australia chief executive\u0026nbsp;Tom\u0026nbsp;Forrest has pointed out it is time for the Federal Government to get back to work.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e“Housing affordability and housing supply featured large during the campaign,” Forrest said.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e“The key now is for the Government to strike while the iron’s hot.\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e“If legislation is needed to support the delivery of Labor’s $10-billion 100,000 new homes commitment—then pass it through the parliament now and get on with it.”\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe states have made many changes to how they enable home development The Federal Government’s support of that is crucial to its success material supply assistance or any other factor that affects getting homes out of the ground.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThis has been a pivotal election Then Cities for Total Fan Immersion\",\"slug\":\"billionaire-arsenal-rams-denver-nuggets-sports-anchored-precincts\",\"datePublished\":\"2025-04-30T00:00+10:00\",\"tags\":[],\"summary\":\"Why your next home might be stadium-adjacent; sports are the hook The proposed masterplan for the Benowa Gardens Shopping Centre includes 397 residential and short-term accommodation units in towers rising up to 13 storeys 3000sq m of office space/medical suites and 1460 carparks The redevelopment plans reflect a trend of landlords rethinking their under-utilised shopping centre assets with a view to increased density and redeveloping them into integrated-use sites—in particular the Coles supermarket-anchored Benowa Gardens Shopping Centre features a 5856sq m gross floor area and 384 carparking spaces It spans a 17660sq m site bordered by Carrara Street as well as Ashmore and Benowa roads—next to Benowa State School and Pindara Private Hospital The neighbourhood retail asset—about 4km west of Surfers Paradise—was acquired by a south-east Queensland private investment group in 2022 for $60.5 million which had secured it for $40.1 million from Stockland less than two years earlier The masterplan proposal has been lodged by a Brisbane-based entity led by Wayner Lin An Urbis planning report submitted as part of the application seeking a preliminary approval for the proposed masterplan said the existing shopping centre—representing a building height of only one storey and site cover of about 45 per cent—“does not maximise [the site’s] built-form provisions” several key variations are being sought to the site’s Neighbourhood Centre zoning to deliver the proposed development They include an increase in the maximum building height from 14m to 53m allowable podium height and the introduction of additional setbacks and site-cover provision for residential uses “The subject site is well-located with access to a range of local amenities and services as well as an established infrastructure network,” the report said “It can therefore be reasoned that the increased building height and resultant residential density on the site would result in an appropriate in line with the outcomes of the ShapingSEQ Regional Plan but also deliver much needed housing stock in different typologies.” “Currently the city has a significant housing shortage with housing affordability having plunged in recent times “Housing is critical to a thriving city and while the housing market remains constrained on the Gold Coast we risk losing existing and potential future residents to more affordable markets “These towers will deliver a mix of permanent and short-term accommodation with residential apartments overlooking the street frontages and the internal communal open space.” According to the masterplan concept scheme designed by Neylan Architecture the communal open space is envisaged to be provided atop the podium and span a total of 4650 square metres Retail space would comprise a 4000sq m supermarket anchor tenancy on the ground level and 6000sq m of specialty retail Parking for 970 vehicles would be accommodated across three basement levels as well as for an additional 490 vehicles on two podium levels The planned addition of the short-term accommodation land use is “to support both visitors and patients of the proximate Pindara Hospital” “The proposed development represents an appropriate future development plan that will deliver significant public benefits “The development is expected to support the local economy and community by providing a diverse range of amenities and services.” The von Bibra family home in Benowa Waters is for sale via expressions of interest Gold Coast car king Wade von Bibra and his author wife Caroline are selling their showstopper Benowa home after a dramatic coastal-style transformation Their huge 4111sq m landmark estate described as family acreage in the heart of the city backs onto the 31ha Gold Coast Regional Botanic Garden Wade and Caroline Von Bibra pictured in 2021 The house now has a bright and fresh open-plan design a third generation car dealer who runs one of the largest motor groups on the Coast and his wife bought the house in 2015 and extensively renovated the property “As soon as I saw it I thought we could turn it into a Hamptons-meets-country type of house but in the city,” Ms von Bibra said “The architect did an amazing job opening up the space,” she said “It has a real country feel but also with a little bit of a coastal influence with the light MORE NEWS: Art Deco design a nod to Southport’s history Yes in my backyard: Andrew Winter’s message for NIMBYs The Aussie suburbs where owners refuse to leave The house flows seamlessly between the indoors and outdoors The transformation took 12 months with the house now unrecognisable has five bedrooms as well as an office while the floorplan transitions from indoor to outdoor with several entertaining zones including the poolside pavilion The design caters to executive entertaining “It has been such a blessing being there with the family,” Ms von Bibra said “We’ve had kids birthday parties with up to 30 children and there’s been plenty of space.” The property comes with a string of features including a pool BEFORE: The property before its epic transformation the guesthouse has an open-plan kitchen and living area “I’ve loved having my parents come and stay and with the granny flat you feel like your guests have their own space,” she said While the house’s design and finishes stand out the Benowa Waters location was also a big selling point for Ms von Bibra “When you wake up it really feels like you’re in the country there’s no neighbours and you can access the Botanic Gardens,” she said “But it’s also so central and you’re 10 minutes to anywhere on the Coast.” “We’d love to have another family enjoy the amazing space we have had,” she said Nick Cole of Cole Residential is marketing the property via expressions of interest He described the property as a “once only opportunity” to buy one of the Gold Coast’s finest family estates third parties have written and supplied the content and we are not responsible for it completeness or reliability of the information nor do we accept any liability or responsibility arising in any way from omissions or errors contained in the content We do not recommend sponsored lenders or loan products and we cannot introduce you to sponsored lenders We strongly recommend that you obtain independent advice before you act on the content realestate.com.au is owned and operated by ASX-listed REA Group Ltd (REA:ASX) © REA Group Ltd. By accessing or using our platform, you agree to our Terms of Use. 2024A slice of Spain has arrived in the Gold Coast’s central suburbs in the form of sleek new Spanish restaurant with its owners promising to transport diners from Benowa to the depths of the Canary Islands with every bite and sip El Portón is the handiwork of Sydney restaurateurs Maria Borona and chef Pachi Rodriguez who have owned and operated Spanish restaurant Encasa in Sydney’s Lane Cove for the past 16 years The duo moved north in the post-Covid era and quickly decided it was time for the Gold Coast to experience the true flavours of Spain and Pachi has dug deep into his food memories to capture and recreate authentic flavours resulting in a mouth-watering cross-section of dishes – from familiar favourites like paella to the traditional Spanish staples he grew up with like anchovies and almogrote (a creamy El Portón’s menu is a love letter to Spain and gives diners the freedom to either roll into the bar for a quick sangria and snack or settle in to feast through the mouth-watering selection of snacks “We’re taking you to Spain,” explains Maria “We’re serving authentic Spanish food with a coastal twist focusing on fresh seafood and classic staples Everything on the menu has a reason to be there.” Nibble on hand-held bites like tuna-filled empanadillas and Iberico jamon croquetas and experience Spanish staples like marinated white anchovies with guindillas and Bonillo crisps grilled calamari with traditional Canary Island roast-capsicum mojo and Basque Country-style sausages in cider A fragrant seafood paella – loaded with king prawns mussels and pipis – takes centre stage on the menu alongside other larger plates like whole chargrilled chicken with avocado mojo and traditional Spanish capacho – crumbed and fried veal topped with jamon and ‘stretchy cheese’ Subscribe for updatesSippers can kick back and explore El Portón’s extensive bar menu with a varied selection of Spanish wine and beer on offer We’ve worked hard to make sure it takes guests on a journey through Spanish regions from light whites to bold reds,” says Maria Subscribe for updatesSave room for sweets – there’s a must-try dulce de leche ice-cream sandwich on the dessert menu there’s an edible mojito with layers of roasted pineapple Be sure to finish like the Spaniards with a glass of Pedro Ximénez El Portón is now open at Benowa Gardens. For hours and contact details, head to The Directory. InDaily Queensland acknowledges the Traditional Owners of the land on which we work and live, the Turrbal, Yuggera, Yugambeh and Kombumerri people, and recognise their continuing connection to land, waters and culture. We pay our respects to their Elders past, present and emerging. We're on a mission to radically improve the quality of Urban communities being developed across Australia We aim to showcase every development in Australia to help you find the perfect new home Add articles to your saved list and come back to them any time Police have charged a 48-year-old man with murder over the death of a man found in a decomposed state in his Gold Coast home Police found Tomislav Nemes’ remains in his home at Benowa and Operation Victor Countryside was established to investigate the circumstances of his death lived alongside his remains for more than a year failing to disclose Nemes’ death to family or the authorities Detectives believe the body of Tomislav Nemes was at his house for more than a year.Credit: Queensland Police Friends and relatives told investigators they lost touch over the years before Nemes disappeared a 48-year-old man was on Tuesday taken into custody at Southport and charged with one count of murder He is expected to appear before Southport Magistrates Court on Wednesday Gold Coast detectives have released vision of the April 17 welfare check in an appeal to the public for any information which could assist the investigation family or associates of Nemes or the other occupants at the property along with anyone who has visited his home in recent years Police found Tomislav Nemes\\u2019 remains in his home at Benowa failing to disclose Nemes\\u2019 death to family or the authorities were found in a home in Australia in April 2023 Broadbeach Waters sold in a $9.5m mega deal A riverfront mansion on the Gold Coast sold for a huge $9.5m Broadbeach Waters was the highest sale of the week on the Glitter Strip Kollosche agents Michael Kollosche and Paul Harrison handled the sale of the six-bedroom house on a 1,592 sqm block with 22m of water frontage “The market is still quite strong for homes that people can move straight into and don’t have to do any work,” Mr Kollosche said The two-level home last changed hands for $8.1m in September Features include a designer kitchen with marble island bench and butler’s pantry A separate one-bedroom apartment provides dual living potential while additions to the main residence’s floorplan include a media room a luxury Surfers Paradise mansion sold under the hammer for $7.07m MORE NEWS: Up 233pc: Surprise regions where home prices have soared in 20yrs Inside TikTok star’s $2k-a-week ‘marble mansion’ Gold Coast sale and auction results was marketed by Kollosche’s Michael Kollosche the residence is one of only 36 on the prestigious Cronin Island and includes 18.1m of river frontage The house inludes five bedrooms and five bathrooms while stnadout features include a tiled lap pool covered waterfront entertaining area with built in kitchen “It sold to a local buyer who loved the location and the quality of the build,” Ms Kuo said “They had friends on Cronin Island as well so were familiar with the area.” The auction was fiercely contested between two bidders after it was called on the market at $6.99m Despite narrowly missing out on 5 Southern Cross the underbidder went on to purchase 75 Sir Bruce Small Blvd a few days later The sale price has not been disclosed but Mr Guo said the price achieved a new suburb record for Benowa The previous record was set in 2022 when a buyer paid $6.335m for 150 Sir Bruce Small Blvd Trent Belling and Nick Browne with border collie dog Murphy are selling their block of land at 192A Heeb St GOLD Coast resident Trent Belling is selling a parcel of land at auction to take advantage of the spring selling season “I think an auction gives it the best chance to sell,” Mr Belling said “There’s greater exposure with the spring auction event in terms of quality properties “We were planning to build our home there as it’s close to family in nearby Royal Pines and Southport,” he said “But earlier this year we moved into a large apartment that’s more house-like and we have fallen in love with apartment living.” MORE NEWS: Gold Coast real estate: Burleigh retro house snapped up Interstate investors snub Qld market, set for major sell-off Gold Coast and Northern NSW real estate: The latest auction and sales results Mr Belling said he had house plans drawn up that he was willing to share with a potential buyer “We have architectural plans for a house which we are happy to talk to any buyer about,” he said “We do understand some people are nervous about building at the moment but it’s definitely not the end of the world “If you pick a good builder and do your due diligence you are going to get a great home to live in.” He said he believed the property market was still relatively strong on the Gold Coast “The speed of sales is a bit slower but the buyers are still there,” he said “Basic economics tells you Benowa is a hot suburb with excellent schools “More people want to live there then there are opportunities to live there.” Mr Belling is selling his property through Lana Faulkner of Ray White Surfers Paradise Group It goes to auction at the agency’s Spring Carnival Auction Event on September 29 A LUXURY Gold Coast house that set a suburb record when it changed hands last year is back on the market The Lakehouse’s $6.335 million mega deal was the highest price paid for a property in Benowa when it sold in April MORE NEWS: Australia’s most-wanted home: Jaw-dropping $15m mansion under construction Former Gold Coast loan shark Tim ‘Sharky’ Ward selling luxury mansion Broncos legend power couple reveal new renovation project inspired by the glamorous grandeur of Los Angeles mega-mansions is back on the market via expressions of interest through Robbie Graham of Ray White Prestige Gold Coast “The seller walked in last year and fell in love with it,” he said “The family has lived on the main river and said they had enough of the noise and activity and lack of privacy on the river “Walking into The Lakehouse and they felt at peace and at ease no pontoons — it’s just peaceful tranquil waterfront living.” He said the vendor would not sell the property for less than $6.335 million “The sellers’s expectations are in excess of what the property was purchased for last year,” Mr Graham said Mr Graham said the house was less than two years old and in impeccable condition “It’s one of the best houses in Benowa and it’s a really well-thought out home.” Martin and Dina Kenins, who operate as Kenins Developments, built the ultra modern two-level house at 150 Sir Bruce Small Blvd before offloading it last year The exterior of the home uses extensive raw materials including timber Entry to the property is through an enormous pivot door dining room and kitchen is flanked by sliding doors and floor-to-ceiling windows that allow broad views across the lake The kitchen has a scullery and is fitted with dual Smeg ovens and an integrated coffee machine It has Caesarstone benchtops along with a mosaic tile feature wall There are 100 per cent wool carpets in the bedrooms which include a guest suite on the lower level A Tasmanian oak staircase leads upstairs to four other bedrooms walk-in wardrobe and an ensuite with dual vanities The property has a magnesium swimming pool and landscaped gardens that are fully irrigated and have feature lighting Property records reveal the highest price paid in Benowa this year is $5.5 million for 64 Cabana Blvd Dr Harry Kanasa (L) with fellow award recipients from Benowa State High School Benowa State High School was recently named Queensland’s Outstanding School in STEM at the 2020 Peter Doherty Awards Griffith University Dean of Education Professor Donna Pendergast and STEM education specialist Dr Harry Kanasa lead a long-running partnership with Benowa State High School Dr Kanasa said a cornerstone of the partnership was the STEAM Teacher Education Centre of Excellence (TECE) based at Benowa State High School, which gives pre-service teachers from Griffith mentorship opportunities and professional development. Another key component of the partnership sees education lecturers from Griffith working with school students and teachers on initiatives like an annual science fair, featuring everything from robotics and drones to computer programming and 3D printing. “Our partnership isn’t an overnight success story – this award recognises almost a decade of work,” he said. Dr Kanasa working with school students on the Gold Coast “It is mutually beneficial – while we’re building teacher capacity, our lecturers and pre-service teachers get to work closely with students in the classroom. “It’s about showing high school students the real-world context for STEM. “By relating it back to their lives and issues they face, we’re getting them excited and engaged.” Benowa State High School science teacher and Griffith alumnus Dr Julien Grignon with some of his students. Photo: Jerad Williams Benowa science teacher and Griffith University education alumnus Dr Julien Grignon said the school had seen a 15 per cent increase in STEM classes over the past five years thanks to the partnership with Griffith. “In recent years the school has collaborated heavily with Griffith University with the assistance of Dr Harry Kanasa and Professor Donna Pendergast,” he said. “This award recognises the incredible efforts of our dedicated team of sciences and mathematics teachers, our partners in the Griffith University School of Education, and all our high achieving students.” The Peter Doherty Awards for Excellence in STEM Education recognise students, teachers, support officers, schools and education partners who demonstrate an outstanding and innovative contribution to STEM education in Queensland. Read More 09 Apr, 2025 Society + Culture Stressed for success   Harnessing stress effectively can help boost an individual’s productivity or motivation levels, with a new Griffith University study allaying fears... Read More 03 Apr, 2025 Society + Culture A multifaceted, home-grown artist  Megan Washington’s journey from a passionate music student at Griffith University’s Queensland Conservatorium (The Con) to an acclaimed Australian musician,... Share via...Gift this articleSubscribe to gift this article Gift 5 articles to anyone you choose each month when you subscribe A Brisbane fund manager has walked away with a 50 per cent gross capital gain in less than two years on a Gold Coast neighbourhood mall paid $40.1 million in March 2020 for Coles-anchored Benowa Gardens and sold it after just two-and-a-half weeks on the market for $60.5 million to a Queensland private investment group SaveLog in or Subscribe to save articleShareCopy link Gift 5 articles to anyone you choose each month when you subscribe. Follow the topics, people and companies that matter to you. The residence at 108 Cabana Boulevard occupies an enviable position in Benowa Waters a spectacular residence in Benowa Waters has provided an idyllic getaway for Gary and Julie Hahn The Coogee couple escapes Sydney up to five times a year taking a month or more to reset and relax in the Sunshine State “We’ve always loved the Gold Coast,” said Mr Hahn whose retirement comes after a career in the automotive industry importing and wholesaling spare parts “This was the house we wanted to retire in but when grandchildren came along in Sydney we kept this as a holiday home “We switch into relaxation mode here – you don’t have the traffic and of course the weather is better.” The Benowa Waters residence has been a home away from home for Gary Hahn and his family has also provided a safe haven in which to bunker down during the COVID health crisis “We came here back in March and our children have encouraged us to stay,” Mr Hahn “The property is so large we didn’t feel boxed in at all and there’s so much going on around us with the park and the river The house boasts wide water views along the Nerang River The balcony offers views of the neighbouring Gold Coast Royal Botanical Gardens the spacious two-level residence overlooks the Nerang River and adjoins the sprawling Gold Coast Royal Botanical Gardens Built a year before the Hahns purchased in 2002 rendered arches and stately columns give off a sense of grandeur in the Mediterranean-inspired design Secure gates control access to a circular driveway with a pond Arches and columns add to the sense of grandeur A grand entrance foyer leads to spacious living and dining areas which in turn open onto multiple covered outdoor terraces with park and water views The property boasts 46m of frontage to the main river and a pontoon offers easy access to cruise to Surfers Paradise “The outlook is magnificent,” Mr Hahn said “We can see a couple of kilometres looking east up the river We look across at Emerald Lakes and all the beautiful homes built along the water.” There’s plenty of space for all the family to spread out inside storage sheds and pool heating have been added over time while a gardener keeps the grounds immaculate in the Hahns’ absence “When we’re here we take over and maintain the house ourselves inside and out,” Mr Hahn said The couple has fond memories of holidays with family and friends over the years in the four-bedroom house which has hosted 12 or more people at one time who plans to downsize to a holiday unit in Broadbeach “You can bet your life I’ll shed a tear when it’s gone but if another family enjoys it even half as much as we have then I’ll be happy.” Harcourts Coastal – Broadbeach Shaun Bourke is leading the campaign to auction on August 19 at 11am A luxury Gold Coast house that set a suburb record when it changed hands last year is set to go under the hammer with a fresh new marketing campaign kicking off this week Kollosche Broadbeach agent Sam Guo and Julia Kuo are taking The Lakehouse “This property will be sold on or before auction day,” the listing states It marks a shift in agents with the property first hitting the market via expressions of interest with a different agency in June MORE NEWS: 13 bidders vie for 1960s vintage Gold Coast beach house Resort-style trophy home at Tallai, Gold Coast going to auction Inside Messi’s new $17m Scarface-style mansion built the ultra modern two-level house at 150 Sir Bruce Small Blvd before offloading it last year The house flows from the indoors to the outdoors Benowa is on the market at offers over $499,000 An entry-level duplex priced under $500K has topped beachfront mansions and ritzy apartments as the most viewed property on the Gold Coast The freestanding home at 1/235 Benowa Rd, Benowa is on the market at offers over $499,000 and was the most popular property in the city on realestate.com.au this week It was the second most viewed property in Queensland and 11th around the country is marketing the residence which last changed hands in 2017 “Nestled amid this prime location landscape this freestanding modern duplex home stands as a testament to contemporary comfort and convenience,” the listing states comprises of two bedrooms with built-in (wardrobes) and a flexible third bedroom layout making it the ideal sanctuary for family living or professionals wanting that extra space.” How much would you pay for this duplex in Benowa MORE NEWS: Jaw-dropping $24m off-the-plan deal shatters Qld record Inside the $6.7m mansion where time stood still Why these Aussies are banking on Bali now Inside there is an open-plan living and dining area with a carport out the front “A covered carport not only offers shelter for your vehicle but also serves as an enticing space for outdoor gatherings and entertainment perfectly extending your living area,” the listing states the property is strategically set back from the road ensuring not only privacy but also the convenience of easy street parking for your guests.” There are no body corporate fees and the property is currently leased at $600 per week Benowa has recorded considerable growth with the median unit price sitting at $839,649 up 4.41 per cent over the quarter and 8.64 per cent over 12 months Custom-designed tiny home for sale at Benowa A designer tiny home on a huge block in one of the Gold Coast’s fastest growing areas has hit the market The custom-designed mini abode at 223 Benowa Rd, Benowa is marketed via Mark Stafford an experienced builder who switched years of constructing luxury mega-homes to launch his business Double-glazed windows offer views to Mt Warning The charming pitched-roof house measures in at just 30sqm but makes exceptional use of space with a loft bedroom and office It occupies just a fraction of the rare 876sq m block offering city skyline and hinterland views The listing also includes an 18sq m content creation studio next to the home which Mr Habul built for his makeup artist partner The loft bedroom is accessed via a ladder in true cubby house style Mr Habul said the couple loved living in the “very cosy very cute” home for three years and had also planned to build a larger house on the block A career opportunity will see them relocate to Los Angeles instead “I definitely got sick of building McMansions and I felt that some of these bigger houses had a lot of wasted space,” Mr Habul said we wanted to build a cubby house that would have been fun when we were younger Even though it’s small we’ve got everything we need There’s an 18sq m content creation studio on the property The couple have lived in the tiny home for three years Super-penthouse to crown Main Beach’s newest tower Road to Olympics paved with gold for Coast investors The QLD homes with some seriously cool features which features a slate roof and large glazed windows capturing views to Mt Warning was Mr Habul’s first foray into the burgeoning tiny home market “This was my first one and I finally got to do all the things I’d ever wanted to do — albeit on a smaller scale — and my inner teenager got excited about living in space that was small and building a sleeping loft up a ladder,” Mr Habul said High-end finishes and plenty of preparation space in the kitchen Mr Stafford said the listing was a “one-off opportunity” with plenty of potential for buyers wanting to make use of the large block Two offers were received within 24 hours of listing “Most people when they think of a tiny home think of something relatively cheap and basic the owner has really done something quite special and it is absolutely unique,” Mr Stafford said “The seller specialises in tiny homes and has showcased his skillset here so you get a previously unseen level of specification The listing describes the tiny house as “Aspen lodge meets Hakuba 47” with expansive use of glass encased in large timber beams and a clever kitchen with Caesar stone island bench and ample preparation space The home occupies a corner of the 876sq m block at Benowa and a walk-in robe leads to the bathroom with its feature onyx stone basin Mr Habul said more homebuyers were turning to tiny homes as a sustainable and cost-effective housing solution The small-scale concept proved a “refreshing” option for downsizers “not wanting to clean or maintain a big place” Tiny homes were also popular as Airbnb properties and accommodation for extended family or guests Benowa’s median house price cracked $1m for the first time this year up from $892,660 to $1.078m in the 12 months to June Gold Coast homeAleisha Dawson Sunland Group builder and developer Riaz Rezvanipour and his wife Mona have sold their waterfront family home they designed and built in Benowa The luxurious three-storey house at 128 Sir Bruce Small Blvd which was marketed by Harcourts Coastal Prestige director of lifestyle property Katrina Walsh Mrs Rezvanipour is the daughter of Sunland Group’s founder Property records show Mr Rezvanipour and his wife paid $435,000 for their 882sq m lakefront lot in Benowa Waters 2003 and built the north-facing house the following year Ms Walsh said homes such as this were becoming increasingly rare as the Gold Coast property market struggled to keep up with the high demand for prestige properties “There is a distinct shortage of quality properties currently available on the Gold Coast returning expats and relocators remains strong,” says Ms Walsh “We are seeing more buyers eager to upgrade to larger family homes on big blocks with waterfront properties still in high demand “The biggest challenge facing prestige buyers is lack of supply; properties like this on do not come available every day.” MORE NEWS: ‘Perfect beach house’ to go under the hammer in Miami New owners for Gen Z influencer couple’s dream home build Olympic swimmer Andrew Baildon selling riverfront mansion The north-facing home which takes in views of Lake June was secured by a Helensvale family seeking to upgrade to a waterfront property with a tranquil setting close to prominent private schools and a lavish master bedroom with a private balcony overlooking the lake The home’s statement entry opens onto 6m-high ceilings with feature pendant lighting and a custom-made steel and blackbutt staircase The kitchen has a backlit 3.4m Calcutta marble island bench while the private dining room and waterfront terrace overlooking the 17m pool and spa provide further options for entertaining There’s also a spacious top-level family room a basement billiard room with outdoor access which is ideal as a teenager’s retreat and a soundproof home theatre with Bose surround sound system and projector Ms Walsh said there was constant activity and interest in the Benowa home with a mix of interstate and local buyers vying for the property “There is certainly no shortage of keen buyers active in the market we are finding it is taking noticeably longer to get the ultimate premium price for Gold Coast properties and our aim is always to get the premium result for sellers,” she said and we are noticing it does take time to find the right buyer and to get the premium price which calls for trust and patience from our sellers which is ultimately rewarded with a great result.” This Benowa Waters property has undergone a mammoth transformation A MAMMOTH Hamptons-inspired renovation took this Gold Coast home from drab to fab over the pandemic The picture-perfect house at 2 Christa Way, Benowa Waters is now attracting plenty of interest — it was the most viewed house in Queensland on realestate.com.au this week Bianca and Jay Burnz hand-picked the family-centric neighbourhood as the ideal setting for their multi-family home Benowa Waters it unrecognisable beforehand MORE NEWS: Creekside home blends coastal style with contemporary flair Sunland Group builder lists $4m family home The surprise Gold Coast suburbs where rents are falling Property records reveal the couple paid $1.1 million for the property in November “We love this neighbourhood and we think it is perfect for families of all shapes and sizes “We bought the property with the thought of catering to an extended family in mind and we have done it up to ensure the layout is really flexible with the granny flat entirely separate to the house.” Fashioned in classic Hamptons greys and whites two with private balconies and all are “super-sized” there is just so much space in this home and everything is roomy and comfortable,” Mr Burnz said “We actually modified the house to make it a bit smaller when we were renovating – it is just such a big house.” a large covered alfresco area and large swimming pool Features include a chef’s style kitchen with integrated Blanco appliances 3.2m island and separate scullery with dishwasher The main home also features a separate guest suite on the lower level The self-contained guesthouse has two bedrooms of its own The couple completely transformed the dated home Mr Burnz said extended family could be accommodated for long- or short-term stays “You have the option to invite friends and family to stay comfortably and have their own space,” he said “If you wanted to set it up as a rental that is also an opportunity.” The property goes under the hammer through Sam Guo and Julia Kuo of Kollosche — Broadbeach on June 24 CHIC interiors combine with an elegant design at this prestigious address in the Royal Pines estate Perched overlooking the Nerang River, the home was built in 2015 by homeowners Joseph and Candice Ghoussain My wife and I were also really attracted to Royal Pines because of its privacy and security.” Mr Ghoussain said he tried to get in a game of golf at leats once a week “The driving range is up the road so I go there a lot too,” the father-of-one said “It is a great place to live for lifestyle.” Overlooking the water the couple said they were not bothered by the change of seasons “The pool is gas heated so you can be in it all year round,” he said And they were one step ahead of the game when they styled their home “We are seeing the Hamptons-style everywhere now but we were styling our house with it when we built the house two years ago,” he said “My wife is responsible for the style — it’s timeless.” The open-plan home is built with a chef’s kitchen that comes with caesarstone benchtops Colourtech cabinetry and a large walk in pantry Travertine floors add a touch of luxury while the patio was made for entertaining “We love having dinner parties,” MrGhoussain said House hunters seeking a residence of distinction will feel right at home in this grand abode Space is delivered in spades at the Benowa Waters house which has the whole family and guests accommodated for The vast size of the property was what captured the attention of Amy and Dave Hodge in 2017 “Not many houses can accommodate five cars or have this much land to play with,” Ms Hodge said The gated estate sprawls across a 2302sq m waterfront block and features a tennis court and in-ground pool Adding to the resort-style lifestyle is a floating pontoon and boat ramp with main river moments away The property offers 1022sq m of internal living which boasts a luxury Hamptons style with a touch of European class “Everything about this house is big — it’s 110 squares and it’s been excellent for living and entertaining,” Ms Hodge said “We’ve hosted parties here and have also really enjoyed the floorplan A pool and tennis court are two luxury inclusions Past the circular driveway and porte-cochere a formal entrance features a grand staircase One side of the floorplan is dedicated to the main living areas with a formal lounge and dining room and open-plan family room The first of the home’s two kitchens takes centre stage here It has all the essential ingredients including two Miele ovens two integrated dishwashers and a luxuriously large Calacatta-topped island bench The spacious living room is warmed by a fireplace and opens to the covered veranda and alfresco dining area with a built-in barbecue and pool views In a different wing of the home is a second kitchen an ensuited bedroom with a walk-in wardrobe and a living area This zone will make hosting guests a breeze home cinema and a temperature-controlled wine cellar are also found at this end of the home Upstairs are three bedrooms — two sharing an ensuite The main bedroom with floor-to-ceiling curved windows that frame water views ensuite and custom-designed dressing room is also upstairs you’re not far from (the) Isle of Capri or Pacific Fair as well as some great private and public schools,” Ms Hodge said the beautiful hedging and having a separate wing for guests made a huge difference too “The floorplan and land size really has been fantastic.” The five bedroom house is being marketing by Kollosche agents Michael Kollosche and Eddie Wardale and has a $3.975 million price tag IJ Capital has sold a Gold Coast mall after two years and a renovation is trading to a local investment group for $60.5 million reflecting a 4.99 per cent net passing yield Savills’ Peter Tyson represented the Brisbane based fund manager vendor also the south east corner of Benowa Rd and Carrara Street Benowa Gardens contains 5856 square metres of gross floor area fit out as 36 tenancies An additional freestanding building is rented to KFC The 1.766 hectare site includes 384 car parks “We recognised value-add opportunities with Benowa Gardens consistent with the “core plus” investment of the fund [which held the asset],” IJ Capital founder “We immediately undertook an active management strategy including centre upgrade works and a focused leasing plan successfully addressing a number of vacancies,” he added “After stabilising the centre and significantly improving the income stream [it] was briefly marketed in December 2021 and attracted multiple offers resulting in a deal reflecting a capital uplift of more than 50pc in under two years,” Mr Tyson said (story continues below) “Income streams underwritten by staple everyday needs have proven resilient and are less prone to fluctuation from outside influences,” he added social distancing restrictions and work from home have bolstered performance in the smaller malls,” according to the executive “This underlying performance continues to drive an enormous weight of domestic and off-shore capital Elsewhere on the Gold Coast, in December, we reported IP Generation was paying QIC $200m for a half stake in Westfield Helensvale and the neighbouring ex-NightQuarter market site Not long earlier, Greenpool Capital, backed by Qualitas, acquired the Runaway Bay shopping centre for $260m in two parts, from Vicinity and Perron Group Five months ago, Panthera acquired the unbuilt retail component of Mermaid Waters’ The Lanes project Also last October, in one of the biggest retail transactions for 2020, worth $1.44 billion, AMP, Cbus and UniSuper acquired an 80pc interest in Broadbeach’s Pacific Fair shopping centre from an AMP-managed trust held for the Abu Dhabi Investment Authority’s Harina Company Limited the Canada Pension Plan Investment Board and AMP Life Property Fund Two months later, the same buyers snapped up the 20pc balance from the Dexus Wholesale Fund for $422.5m Subscribe to our newsletter at the bottom of this page A former property analyst and print journalist Marc is the publisher of realestatesource.com.au Forgot your password? You will receive mail with link to set new password Back to login Comanchero bikie gang boss Allan Meehan has been arrested in an early morning police raid on a Gold Coast property after for allegedly breaching a serious crime prevention order Well-known underworld figure Allan Meehan has been arrested in a police raid on a home at Benowa Waters on the Gold Coast over claims he had breached the conditions of a Serious Crime Prevention Order The national boss of the Comanchero bikie gang was taken to a property at Benowa Waters to the Southport Watchhouse at about 6:30am in and is expected to face court later later in the day Detectives attached to the NSW Police State Crime Command are understood to be on their way to the Gold Coast to extradite the 35-year-old back to Sydney Mr Meehan known as the 'Bathrobe bikie' after posting Instagram photos of himself in a Versace dressing gown was hit with “some of the strictest orders ever placed on a person in NSW” last July The order bans the gang leader from associating with 34 other bikies the amount of cash he can hold and his use of phones and social media accounts "Criminal Groups Squad detectives will apply for the extradition of a senior member of an outlaw motorcycle gang (OMCG) from Queensland over several alleged breaches of a Serious Crime Prevention Order," a police media spokesperson said.  the Supreme Court issued a 35-year-old man with a Serious Crime Prevention Order (SCPO) following an application by the State Crime Command’s Criminal Groups Squad "As part of ongoing SCPO compliance operations Criminal Groups Squad detectives identified several suspected breaches and commenced an investigations under Strike Force Phobetor-Harmonia." The underworld figure was hit with the restrictions over fears of a reprisal attack following the execution-style shooting death of Comanchero Omar Zahed at a Sydney gym in May Mr Zahed's brother Comanchero sergeant-at-arms Tarek survived being peppered with almost a dozen bullets in the attack The pair were standing in Bodyfit gym in Auburn 2022 when more than 20 shots were fired into the foyer He was rushed to hospital after being hit at least ten times in the head while his sibling died in a pool of his own blood Mr Meehan -who had just risen in the ranks of the Comancheros shared the first images of Tarek dressed in a black Fendi jumper and sunglasses while pointing his finger next to four tattooed men "Welcome back Tarek 'hard2kill' Zahed," the caption read had no signs of scarring on his face and appeared in good spirits despite nearly losing his life THE Gold Coast’s prestige market continues to fire with a $6.335 million mega deal breaking the suburb record for Benowa was inspired by the glamorous grandeur of Los Angeles mega-mansions and sold well before its scheduled auction to a Brisbane buyer MORE NEWS: Ex NRL star Nate Myles’ savvy property move as QLD heats up Inside ultimate Byron Bay artist’s retreat are behind the ultra modern two-level design known “As soon as we stepped onto the vacant block you could see the potential with wide water views and views to the hinterland,” he said “I am a hands-on builder and a perfectionist so what we built had to absolutely perfect,” he said It has won industry experts over with the home chalking up several awards who led the marketing campaign for the Lakehouse said the residence attracted a strong pool of potential buyers and multiple offers “Our strategy for a home of this calibre was to present the property to the right buyers rather than wait for the buyers to come to us,” said Mr Harrison “We had 15 qualified groups through the first private inspection and they were all blown away by the architecture the standard of the craftsmanship and the location overlooking the lake.” The mega sale trumps the $4.875 million achieved last December for a main river mansion at 151 Sir Bruce Small Boulevard A one-of-a-kind home with a $5.975m price tag was designed to hold a “priceless” collection of fossils along with antiques and original artworks sourced from around the world But while its contents could rival a modern museum, luxury living is the priority at the six-bedroom, five-bathroom Benowa Waters property Features include two pools and a showstopping al fresco entertaining pavilion with a black granite bar commercial-grade teppanyaki barbecue kitchen Exotic style inspired by a luxury zen retreat the home on a 1,002sq m parcel fronting Nerang River at 64 Cabana Blvd was inspired by global exploration and the zen holiday retreats of southeast Asia The renovated house was made with rare natural materials and showcases 67 antique artefacts and 22 original artworks “fossil-infused limestone and laser-ground pebbles” Kwila timber and Surian Cedar lined walls and ceilings” released the asking price after the two-level home was passed in at a January auction called by real estate guru RSPCA scores $2.7m windfall from deceased estate sale Luxury Palm Beach home sold under the hammer Prize home charity lists vacant land Mr Watson said he worked with Mr Keil to realise a waterfront sanctuary of art and when you step inside the front gate you don’t expect to find this in Benowa Waters,” Mr Watson said detail and standard of finishes placed it in a league of its own “This home is unique and priceless to the point that you could not source the materials nor gain approval to build it again in this location,” he said Property records show the block was transferred to Mr Watson for $1.02m in 2002 Open-air lap pool at the centre of the home The poolside entertaining pavilion with gazebos Timber and stune finishes and limestone-infused floors An antique statue in one of the home’s many living areas