Developer plans landmark work of art for new Coolangatta project

A landmark work of art inspired by one of the southern Gold Coast’s most spectacular beachfront locations is set to become a key design feature for a multimillion-dollar luxury apartment development at Coolangatta.

S&S Projects, the company behind the hugely successful $74 million Flow Residences, has laid plans for an innovative inclusion in its latest project with a massive art installation to create a new cultural beacon in the city’s south.

Prominently positioned atop the Point Danger peninsula, Awaken Residences with its elegant curves and scalloped edges will be a beacon of sophisticated design in its own right.

Awaken Residences will rise 12 storeys on a prime 506sqm site at 275 Boundary Street in Coolangatta, just a block away from Flow Residences.

The artistic flair planned for the new project has been inspired by the powerful works of some of Australia’s most prominent contemporary artists practicing in the public realm. 

S&S Projects managing director Paul Gedoun said the artwork for Awaken Residences will reflect the project’s unique location, on one of the highest elevations on the city’s coastline with a unique perspective that offers 360-degree views across two states.

“We are looking to create something extra special on this site with a work of art that combines the key elements of the relaxed Coolangatta lifestyle – the sun, sea and surf, whilst reflecting on the area’s history and geographical significance” said Mr Gedoun.

“Apart from one of the most spectacular beachfront locations on the Gold Coast, with the waves of Snapper Rocks below where so many of our greatest surfers honed their skills, there is also so much local history to draw upon to inspire this artistic expression.

“This has never been done on the Gold Coast on this scale before where the built form provides a blank canvas that will deliver a superb cultural focal point for the community to enjoy.”

S&S Projects has allocated a substantial budget for the artwork, which will occupy up to 200sqm of the building’s eastern façade from top to bottom.

The developer is collaborating with Brisbane-based UAP (Urban Art Projects), a global group that works with artists, architects and developers to bring ‘uncommon creativity’ to the public realm.

UAP has major workshops and studios in Brisbane, New York and Shanghai from which it has delivered more than 1500 projects globally. 

UAP Curator Saskia Gilmour said the art strategy taps into the historical and cultural elements on an iconic site that will reflect the local community. 

“Our art strategy for Awaken Residences outlines the groundwork for what will be a creative beacon for the local community,” said Miss Gilmour. 

“The strategy draws from considered research into the site’s character and history, and frames a curatorial approach for a unique work that will reflect the distinct qualities of this place and its people.

“Given the development’s unique position at the edge of the Queensland – New South Wales border, local artists from the surrounding regions will be highly considered for the commission.” 

It is currently in the process of creating a short-list of artists who will submit their designs for Awaken Residences based on the guidelines established by the developer. 

S&S Projects is planning to officially launch Awaken Residences to the market in April, driven by the overwhelming sales success of Flow Residences which is currently under construction and due for completion next year.

The developer achieved a sell-out at Flow Residences in just four months, with apartments selling at an average price of approximately $3.5 million driven by demand from the likes of professional surfers and local downsizers eager for the Gold Coast’s prized beachfront lifestyle in a new residential development.

S&S Projects has taken a similar approach to Awaken Residences, capitalising on the strength of demand for premium apartments on the southern Gold Coast.  

The site is currently home to the popular Café D-bar, and discussions are underway for the existing operators to continue their legacy at this iconic location.

S&S Projects is currently waiting on development approvals for the project.