BUCHAN MAKES ROOM TO GROW

IN ANOTHER sign that the Gold Coast development market is on the rebound, architecture firm The Buchan Group has expanded its base with a move into bigger premises at Southport.

The firm, which has been responsible for shaping some of the Gold Coast biggest projects over the past four decades, including Q1 and the Hilton Surfers Paradise, says it has been lured from Bundall by the revitalisation of the Gold Coast’s CBD.

Buchan Group has taken a 290sqm lease at 64 Marine Parade, up from 250sqm it occupied for 10 years at Waterside West.

While the move was triggered by the Gold Coast City Council buying the Waterside building, The Buchan Group director Brett Saville says it will allow the firm to expand as the Gold Coast development market shows signs of revival.

“We are very happy with the change this catalyst has generated,” he tells Gold Coast Business News.

“There is an increased level of interest in development on the Gold Coast and this will only increase over the next four years.

“This new cycle of development will add to our existing portfolio of current and recent Gold Coast projects.

“We’re taking advantage of this opportunity to re-configure our office so it is more conducive to the collaborative and creative nature of our work.

“Our office staff have been energised by the new open-plan office, which also allows for the addition of new team members as our portfolio of projects continues to grow.

“The Southport CBD continues to evolve and the investment to date is paying dividends with new visitors and businesses like us being drawn to the area. 

“Whether they are visiting clients or coming and going from work, staff are also keen to take advantage of the new light rail as it will make travel in the area around our new office a whole lot easier.”

The Buchan Group first established its Gold Coast office in the 1970s and has since worked on a number of iconic projects in the region, including Robina Town Centre, Jupiters Casino, Hilton Surfers Paradise, Q1 and Nexus Towers.

Recent Gold Coast projects include $14.5 million Nerang Mall redevelopment, $20 million Sea Hawk Apartments at Southport, and both stages of The Mark Shopping Centre refurbishment.