Tydal ground breaking the beginning of a new era for famed Palace Hotel site

The ground breaking ceremony to kick off construction of Tydal Woody Point marks the beginning of a new chapter in the colourful history of the famed Filmers Palace Hotel.

A hotel has stood on the prominent waterfront site since 1883, with Harold and Lilly Filmer taking over the licence in 1927. Their son Ken and wife Mavis lead the way in tapping into the exciting era of 50s rock ‘n’ roll at Filmers Palace Hotel, introducing floor shows and live bands, with the hotel becoming the unlikely launching pad for the Bee Gees. Mavis Filmer sold the hotel in 2001 ending 75 years of ownership by the Filmer family, with a devastating fire sealing the fate of the Moreton Bay Peninsula’s much-loved institution in 2013.

More than a century after the original hotel opened, Traders In Purple is breathing new life into the site with the construction of 104 luxury apartments and penthouses, in the first stage, that offer supreme luxury and panoramic ocean views.

There to witness the historic moment and be a part of the ground breaking ceremony, was Paula Scott Af Uhr, from the Filmer family. Paula, who recalls that her mother spent every weekend helping out at the Palace Hotel, now lives in Margate having returned from two decades living in the US and Alaska.

Launched in June this year, more than 60 per cent of the 104 apartments offered in the first stage of Tydal have sold, affirming the popularity of the Moreton Bay Peninsula amongst those seeking a laidback coastal lifestyle in a location just 20 minutes from Brisbane Airport.

Traders In Purple CEO Brett Robinson said the commencement of construction, just three months after launching Tydal to the market, spoke volumes about the national property group’s reputation and capability.

“Tydal is our 14th project on the Moreton Bay Peninsula and will be one of three active construction sites currently underway,” said Mr Robinson.

“Just metres away, we have 32 ultra luxury apartments at Orilla under construction and around the bay we have topped out Marin on the Scarborough waterfront, which sold out before construction commenced.

“Where many developers are struggling to get projects out of the ground, having our own construction capability has allowed us to move forward with our own teams and maintain a 100 per cent completion record.

“The majority of our construction team live locally and being able to move seamlessly to a new project provides them with job security and magnifies the community-wide economic benefits of building new homes.”

Traders In Purple purchased the elevated 6,900sqm site in 2014 and sought a variation to its approved DA to reduce the number of apartments and building height, to offer greater diversity.

Mr Robinson said the decision to offer a wider range of two and three bedroom apartments of varying size and price point had tapped into a shift in the demographic of those settling in the Moreton Bay Peninsula.

“While retired downsizers still make up a significant portion of purchasers, we are seeing around 25 per cent of buyers at Tydal aged between 50 and 60,” said Mr Robinson.
“These are people making a lifestyle decision while they are still engaged in the workforce, taking advantage of Tydal’s proximity to the airport and Brisbane CBD.

“We have been pleased to see so many locals and repeat purchasers among our buyers although we are also getting traction from those living in Brisbane’s northern suburbs and even some from New South Wales regional areas.

“Tydal offers value and quality for people seeking a relaxed coastal lifestyle.”

Resident facilities at Tydal include a sub-tropical pool with sun lounges, covered al fresco dining, barbecue, herb garden, relaxation lawn and residents’ lounge complete with a kitchenette. With a dog wash bay included, even pooches are pampered.