Iconic ‘Awaken Residences’ Completed, Heralding A New Era For Rainbow Bay

WORDS: Ocean Road Magazine Editorial Staff PHOTOGRAPHY Supplied

The completion of Awaken Residences, the second in a trilogy of luxury residential projects on the southern Gold Coast undertaken by S&S Projects, marks a new milestone in the transformation of Rainbow Bay as the city’s newest luxury lifestyle and destination precinct.

Comprising eight full-floor residences and a double-storey penthouse, the $52.5 million Awaken project was sold out prior to construction commencing as local and international buyers secured their place in the southeasternmost residential address in Queensland – a location that offers endless views across three iconic beaches.

As residents start moving into this highly anticipated residential project, one of Queensland’s most celebrated hospitality dynasties, the Gambaro family, is set to bring Mediterranean-inspired dining scene to Rainbow Bay for the first time.

Renowned Brisbane restaurateur John Gambaro is putting the finishing touches to two new dining venues at Awaken that are set to complement the local dining scene.

“The completion of Awaken heralds more than a new landmark for Rainbow Bay,” said Paul Gedoun, Director of S&S Projects.

“Building on the success of its sister projects Flow and Esprit, and our commitment to creating quality boutique residences, we are excited to be supplementing the relaxed coastal lifestyle that Coolangatta offers with two exceptional dining venues at Awaken that will be presented by the Gambaro family.

“It’s the next stage in the transformation of Rainbow Bay into one of the most sought-after locations on the Gold Coast and we’re proud to be playing a part in this.”

The Gambaro family, which has been synonymous with the hospitality scene in Brisbane for more than 70 years, is establishing a new dining concept at Awaken with their newest restaurant, Pipi’s and Awaken Café by Gambaro.

The restaurant will showcase a prime selection of steaks enjoyed by diners at the family’s Black Hide Steakhouse on Caxton Street. Additionally, it will introduce a whole new concept driven by experience from Gambaro’s current restaurants in Brisbane, featuring an array of fresh seasonal seafood including lobster pasta and the Gambaro specialty seafood platters, as well as some Italian-inspired delights of Persone Restaurant.

Pipi’s, to be located across the second level of the 12-storey Awaken building, also will take in spectacular ocean views across the Point Danger parklands, making it a must for any food lover’s odyssey on the Gold Coast.

The second venue, Awaken Café, is a casual health-conscious café that is set to offer an all-day menu that is sure to attract a strong local following.

“We’re excited to be bringing Pipi’s and Awaken Café to this amazing site,” said John Gambaro, whose award-winning restaurants include Persone Italian at Brisbane Quarter, Gambaro Seafood Restaurant, and Black Hide Steakhouse located on Caxton Street and Treasury Casino.

“Our team is working on refining each of these venues down to the last detail to ensure we create a dining experience that has kept our loyal customers coming back week after week to our Brisbane venues.

“Paul shares the same commitment to quality as our family does and these new venues present an exciting new chapter for our family company on the Gold Coast.”

Set atop one of the Gold Coast’s highest and most spectacular beachfront locations, Awaken Residences has proven to be a huge sales success for S&S Projects with the $9.4 million penthouse setting a record for the southern Gold Coast.

Each of the apartments is finished to the highest quality available with Gaggenau appliances, herringbone oak flooring, steam showers, a full suite of built-in cabinetry and the finest fixtures and fittings.

Located at 275 Boundary Street, Awaken boasts an unprecedented panorama of 360-degree views across the Gold Coast, northern NSW beaches and the Tweed hinterland.

The sell-out of the development comes on the heels of the huge success S&S Projects has enjoyed on the southern Gold Coast with the $74 million Flow Residences and the $150 million Esprit development, all of which are located at Rainbow Bay.

Awaken Residences’ Head of Sales Jayde Pezet, from Pezet Matheson, describes Awaken as the jewel in the crown for S&S Projects’ Coolangatta development trilogy.

“The market response has been huge and the feedback from our buyers has been one of great anticipation that they will be living in one of the most exclusive residential addresses on the southern Gold Coast,” said Mr Pezet.

“The inclusion of Queensland’s most renowned restaurant operators in the Gambaro family is the icing on the cake for this development and for the local community.”

Designed by award-winning architects Cottee Parker, Awaken Residences features one of the most detailed and spectacular facades of any Australian residential building with its elegant curves and scalloped edges a beacon of sophisticated design in its own right.

The design is in keeping with Mr Gedoun’s passion for creating landmark projects at the very top end of the market in the best beachside locations.

The famed surf breaks of the southern Gold Coast and the tranquil waters of the Tweed River are all within walking distance of S&S Projects’ trio of developments.

Among the key design highlights of Awaken Residences is a giant three dimensional art piece on the northern facade of the building that has been created by renowned contemporary Australian artist Lindy Lee.

S&S Projects is currently progressing construction of its third project for the luxury enclave, Esprit Rainbow Bay comprising 94 luxury apartments, with the development scheduled for completion in Mid 2025