Steering a Course for the Future

WORDS: Ocean Road Magazine Editorial Staff PHOTOGRAPHY Supplied

Robert Steer: developing a way of life

Robert Steer is the entrepreneurial, spirited, young businessman behind multimillion-dollar development company – STEER. Robert, who graduated with a degree in architecture from The University of Sydney, owns and actively manages a development portfolio worth over 250 million dollars. One of the projects features an exclusive boutique multi-storey, located in one of the most prestigious areas on the coast – Côte Palm Beach.

Another metamorphic and yet-to-be launched project is the transformation of a secured prime location in Palm Beach that is planned to be developed into a multimillion-dollar luxury hotel and hospitality hub. The uplifting development of an iconic Ashmore site that housed one of the Gold Coast’s most famous restaurants is also one of many other private projects in Mr Steer’s portfolio.

It’s an impressive portfolio for the humble, affable developer who is highly regarded as an industry professional and specialist in residential and commercial development. Robert can credit his success not only to strong corporate and industry relationships, but also to an immense focus on forward-thinking, future oriented, sustainable architecture that Robert believes is essential to creating valuable connections and building strong communities which ultimately enable a lifestyle elevation for clients.

“Our objective is quite simple, yet important – with every development we work on, our focus is to enhance and serve the community,” Mr Steer explains. “Personally, my work is always about identifying a need and then finding a way for the need to be met. Respect for the local area is equally important for us.  Adding value to the local area and community is not only going to ensure the project is well supported, but it also delivers outcomes the community truly wants, as they are included in the process.”

Robert’s study of architecture not only brings his visual perspective to the fore, but it drives his passion to deeply understand the physical spaces he creates.

“I believe, from an architectural perspective, the depth of the built form and how it makes you feel is a big part of the process. Aesthetics will always catch the eye, but the real test is when you walk through a finished building, knowing that it serves its purpose and brings our original vision to life.”

Robert founded STEER in 2014, but his interest in the building industry stems from childhood through his extended family’s involvement in construction. Growing up with five sisters, Robert also learned a great deal about the merits of respect.

“Strong women have a way of teaching you how to carefully observe,” says Robert. “Growing up in a female dominant environment, I subconsciously learned about the power of giving, serving, and adding value to the community. Strong ethics and morals that have made me who I am, reflect in my work and are at the forefront of my entire career.”

After successfully delivering several impactful developments in Brisbane, Robert saw enormous potential on the Gold Coast about three years ago.

“Once COVID hit, it was obvious that the Gold Coast was the place more people wanted to be. I saw a wealth of opportunity here – a beautiful place, a beautiful lifestyle, and I saw so many ways that I could make that even better through improved infrastructure.”

The company has taken a small-scale approach with the $51 million Côte Palm Beach, which was launched in October and is currently under construction. Located on a prime 810sqm site at 3 Thirteenth Ave, bounded to the east by Jefferson Lane just 20 metres from the beach, Côte Palm Beach will deliver an exclusive collection of 17 luxurious residences across nine levels.

“Finished residential product on the Gold Coast remains strong – there is so much demand for beachside living in the area. We have a lot of buyers sitting, watching and ready to move once we start coming out of the ground.”

STEER partners with the finest brands, architects, designers, and consultants from across Australia and Robert counts GCB Constructions, which was appointed to build Côte Palm Beach, among them.

“I have a really great relationship with GCB Constructions; they love the project and are backing Côte throughout the process.”

Côte Palm Beach is a turnkey offering, which means the only inclusion that new residents have to bring once they settle their apartment purchase is furniture. The project is scheduled for completion in December 2023.

“With the support of GCB Constructions, our buyers have certainty not only in the quality of what we are delivering but the price they have paid. Building costs are somewhat stabilising and working with a solid builder who has their finger on the pulse is so important in today’s market.”

Each of the 17 Côte apartments will feature three bedrooms, a multi-purpose room, and 3.5 bathrooms with accommodation for two cars in a secure underground carpark. Priced from $1.99 million, the luxury residences at Côte Palm Beach will offer innovative craftsmanship, exquisite interiors, and lush outdoor space with expansive ocean views.

STEER is taking a similar design approach to its newest project which is poised for a construction start next year.

Steer has teamed up with Brisbane’s Churchill Development Group to deliver a significant new destination retail precinct on the sprawling site of Ashmore Seafood and Steak, a restaurant that has been a favourite haunt for locals and tourists for more than 35 years. The $65 million project will be anchored by a boutique market retailer and create a new dining venue in the rapidly changing suburb.

Demolition of the 9,020 sqm site is expected to occur in the first half of next year.

Plans for a new hotel in Palm Beach on the Gold Coast, comprising 126 rooms across six storeys to be located at 1089 Gold Coast Highway, will offer boutique architectural excellence to meet the desires of a lifestyle-focused demographic.

While the Gold Coast is a major focus for Steer Developments at present, the company is exploring opportunities throughout south-east Queensland and northern New South Wales.

“I have never aimed to be the biggest, but right now it’s about meeting local needs and becoming a problem solver around those needs by utilising beautiful architecture and creating spaces for everyone to enjoy,” Robert explains.