Gurner to launch Aquia, the first tower in $1.7 billion La Pelago, Surfers Paradise precinct
One of the Gold Coast's most anticipated projects is set to launch in the coming months.
Tim Gurner's GURNERTM, in a joint venture with investment house Wingate, are soon to unveil the first tower in La Pelago, their $1.7 billion, four-tower masterplan at Budds Beach in Surfers Paradise.
Launching to the market later this year, the “Resort Residences” will be the first stage available in the project, located in the first 28 storeys of the project’s first tower, ‘Aquia’, which will soar 65 levels and have a total end value of $1 billion.
The Resort Residences will have a mix of one, two and three-bedroom apartments ranging from $525,000 up to $1.8 million, ranging in size from 60 sqm to 200 sqm.
Aquia boasts an exclusive private wellness club, the three level resort-style podium deck with its ‘private island’ Archipelago of pools, lagoons and relaxation areas, and direct access to a signature restaurant, bars and cafes located throughout the tower and on ground level.
The Aquia tower also will house the yet-to-be-announced global hotel brand which is rumoured to be around 185 rooms across levels 29 - 42.
Tim Gurner said he's never been so excited to launch a project.
"This concept is something truly different and iconic for Australia that we believe will really take the residential market by surprise.
“We have made the brave call to launch the project amid the current global uncertainty due to huge interest and demand from our sophisticated investor database and past clients who can see through the next few years and are very excited by the fundamentals of the Australian property market and especially the Gold Coast," Gurner said.
“With now almost no supply in the pipeline for Gold Coast due to construction pricing, but with demand still incredibly strong, our sophisticated investors know that in 2-3 years we will be in a rental crisis that will push rents and therefore pricing to a level not seen before.
“We have been monitoring construction pricing to determine when it settles which we now believe it has; and with little to no larger projects on the horizon, we think trades will look at the next 12 – 24 months and realise most of the jobs they had planned to work on are now not progressing and they will need to price on new work at a competitive rate again."
La Pelago, inspired by some of the world’s most exclusive private Archipelago resorts, has been imagined as a series of island precincts among a vast expanse of lagoon pools, with private bookable lounges and private dining areas, cabanas, sundecks, swim-up bars, restaurants and soaring mature palm trees over a three-level resort podium.
Architecturally designed by international architect firm, Warren & Mahoney, with interiors imagined by GURNERTM’s own in-house interior design team led by Italian designer Simon Brugaletta. The globally renowned SWA – the landscape designers behind the Beverly Hills Hotel and Los Vantanas in Mexico, two of Tim Gurner’s favourite hotels – are designing the lush tropical landscapes that will bring the 12,000 sqm site to life.
Inspired by nature’s organic forms and everchanging sand dunes, Aquia is defined by its sweeping curves and natural symmetry. Its façade of shimmering glass reflects the hues of the Gold Coast sun, creating a form that appears to shift and morph as you approach from different angles.
The resort-style experience will start in the lobby, with cascading water features and a porte cochere entrance leading to a private concierge where residents can choose to have their car valet parked and shopping taken directly into their rooms.
“Everything about La Pelago represents a relentless pursuit of perfection and point of difference," Gurner added.
"We have scoured the globe to uncover the world’s very best examples of private resort living, bringing everything together into one private sanctuary.
“We want our clients to own something that has never been done before in the world and cannot be done again. A truly irreplaceable investment and home.
Gurner said the Gold Coast is experiencing one of the most exciting periods in its history.
"Over 40,000 people moved here each year in 2020 and 2021, and with 70 kilometres of pristine sandy beaches and 300 days of sunshine per year, it’s not hard to see why.
“The vision for La Pelago really came together in 2020 when I was in lockdown at home with my family in Melbourne, thinking there has to be a way to bring an unparalleled resort lifestyle into a residential setting in Australia that’s only 2 hours from Sydney and Melbourne as opposed to 6 hours to Bali or Fiji.
“While we are still finessing the details of the amenities and service that will be on offer, we have spent over 18 months ensuring that there is nothing else like it, not only on the Gold Coast but anywhere else in Australia.
“We want La Pelago to be the defining destination of the Gold Coast, not just known for its architecture and amenity, but the experience from the moment the valet first opens your car door, through to the designer retail precincts and sky-high restaurants that will be the name on everyone’s lips when they launch to the public,” he said.
"It’s a collection of my most out-there ideas and “what ifs” brought to life.”