Jockey legend Mick Dittman secures off the plan apartment in Southport's Imperial Square
The Melbourne Cup-winning jockey Mick Dittman has committed to buying an apartment in the $2.3bn Imperial Square development in Southport.
Dittman made the decision after being asked to become an ambassador for the mixed-used project.
The project includes the southern hemisphere’s tallest tower, and a 45-storey “twister” tower.
It has been popular with locals who have made up 50 per cent of sales in the development's first stage.
The $155 million Regal Residences has secured $34 million in sales, with the developer, Azurra Investments, securing 53 sales of the 145 apartments by last month, and now sees commitments to more than half.
Azzurra is headed by Robert Badalotti.
Architect Kris Kowalski has worked on the project for five years.
The Gold Coast Bulletin reported in January that the developer, Azzura Investments, was set to fast-track construction commencement before June.
Sales director Jason Paris indicated buyers who work in the Health and Knowledge precinct at Griffith University and the Gold Coast Hospital see the opportunity to buy with work and lifestyle options.
Paris said apartments are selling for an average of $6000 a square metre, with prices for a one-bedroom apartment starting at $359,000, rising to $745,000 for three bedrooms.
The projects shared amenities include a rooftop pool terrace, a sauna, spa, steam room, gym, a barbecue terrace, dining area and executive lounge.
Imperial Square is located on a 1.34ha site bounded by Ferry Road, Meron Street and Gillian Lane.
It will have three landmark towers on completion, including the 108-storey Imperial Tower and the 54-level Monarch Place.
In 2018 Dittman sold his purpose-built horse stable complex on the Gold Coast for $2.5 million.
The 3001-square-metre Racecourse Drive, Bundall facility was part-owned by Dittman, who was listed in the Australian Racing Hall of Fame in 2002.