What you need to know about Miles Residences at Kirra Beach: Urban chats with KTQ Group's Jeremy Holmes
Miles Residences is one of the Gold Coast’s most sought-after residential beachfront projects in the pipeline.
The development of 118 apartments is part of the redevelopment of the Kirra Beach Hotel. The brains behind the operation is the family-ran KTQ Group, led by Peggy Flannery, who are behind the award-winning Elements of Byron Bay.
Urban recently sat down with KTQ Group's development director Jeremy Holmes to discuss the project.
JR: Why was Kirra Beach chosen for the project?
JH: The KBH was purchased back in 2010. It was a run-down venue. As new owners we undertook a significant refurbishment at the time and sought about changing the offering under new management. Over time we built a reputation as a community focused and value for money beachside pub. Something we are endeavouring to re-create with the new development.
We progressively acquired a number of neighbouring sites up until 2017, and now have a total landholding around 9000m2, almost the entire block. This was a key strategy in order to create a compelling design and masterplan for the site, to make use of the full frontages, views and connection to the beach.
This location was always earmarked for redevelopment. We were drawn to the site and its key fundamentals (aside from size) of beachside location, north facing beach, city skyline view (night-time view especially) and proximity to the airport and highway. We believe in the Southern Gold Coast as a region undergoing a major transformation and growth for these reasons listed above. It has been undervalued in the past.
JR: What was the design brief for the first tower? And was there a shortlist of “must-haves?”
JH: Firstly, we were after a design that was sympathetic to the surrounding landscape and the beach. We wanted a building with a curvaceous and organically shaped façade, utilising colours that were muted and gentle (to blend in with the natural surrounds). We then had a bit more of a bold and fun approach to the design of the beer garden and pavilions to create a more vibrant and active ground plane and frontage. We integrated this with a 2 level pergola that runs the full length of the site along Marine Parade.
The wave awning feature was a key design element for the overall scheme and shapes the entry to the tower along with creating a visual break from residential use to the hospitality uses. A Sun-exposed 25m north-facing pool is another key feature that sits proudly along the beach edge of the tower, above the hotel and pavilion, and will be one of those amazing resort-style experiences for our residents to enjoy.
JR: What was the biggest challenge when conceiving the design building (or collection of buildings)
JH: The site masterplan was fairly logical in its layout and the building heights were set from a previous approval. The key was making the large floorplates of each tower work from an apartment planning perspective and maintain the curved façade without compromising these layouts. There was a focus on ensuring views were maximised from each apartment and the seamless transition between inside and outside was a critical design feature
JR: How important are the amenities in such a project?
JH: Residents expect resort-style amenities in beach-side leisure destinations like the Gold Coast. Many developments don’t do it well however. The single most important facility is always on the pool so we have created a generous size pool with an immaculate beach view on the front of the site, north-facing, with plenty of sun.
JR: Which part of the project are you most looking forward to seeing when completed?
JH: My apartment….
But actually the mix of amenities and being able to get everything you need in one location without having to jump in your car. That is real luxury. Our buyers are seeing the benefit of on-site facilities, amenities, and entertaining opportunities. When all stages come together this will be a very special thriving destination / precinct.