Ignite Projects appoints OBX to build wellness-inspired Retreat Palm Beach apartments

Ignite Projects has appointed OBX as the builder for its boutique beachside development, Retreat Palm Beach, following an exceptional early sales run that has seen more than half the residences already secured.

The appointment marks an exciting new partnership between the two Gold Coast-based companies, bringing together shared values, local expertise and a commitment to exceptional project delivery.

Ignite Projects Director Josh Foote said OBX’s local expertise backed by a talented and experienced team, made them the ideal partner to bring Retreat Palm Beach to life.

“We’ve been impressed by the depth of experience within the OBX team, and their commitment to quality, detail and delivery made them the natural choice for Retreat,” he said.

“Working with a builder we know and trust gives our buyers incredible confidence. OBX understands exactly what we want to achieve at Retreat, and we’re excited to create something truly special together.”

Specialising in medium- to high-rise residential development, OBX has established a strong reputation for quality construction across the Gold Coast.

Director James O’Brien has more than 20 years' experience in tier one and tier two construction, including his former role as construction manager at Hutchinsons Builders, where he delivered landmark projects such as The Mondrian, Ignite’s own award-winning Cabana Palm Beach (one of the Gold Coast’s fastest-selling residential projects of 2021), and The Lanes.

He said he was proud to once again collaborate with Ignite on a premium coastal development.

“Our relationship with Ignite Projects has been built on transparency, shared standards and a mutual drive to deliver exceptional outcomes,” he said.

“Cabana set a high benchmark for boutique coastal living, and Retreat Palm Beach gives us the opportunity to elevate that standard even further. We’re looking forward to delivering a project that future residents will be proud to call home.”

Designed by Plus Architecture, Retreat Palm Beach will offer a refined collection of residences that blend understated luxury with enduring craftsmanship.

Set on the prestigious beachside strip at 188 Jefferson Lane, Retreat Palm Beach represents a rare entry point into beachfront living and one of the last opportunities to live in a project of this scale in Palm Beach.

It will span nine levels and include a mix of 56 two and three-bedroom residences, most with butler’s pantries, private outdoor spaces and curated interior finishes. Prices range from $1.47 million to $3.95 million. A standout feature is the ground-floor communal wellness space, envisioned as a subterranean Mediterranean-style day spa, complete with a sculpted lagoon pool and floating day beds.

The builder appointment comes as Ignite Projects continues its strong growth trajectory, highlighted by the recent announcement of the group’s major new development on The Spit at Main Beach. 

The $100 million project will deliver 27 premium residential units, dining venues and a commercial marina with at least 18 berths overlooking Southport Yacht Club. Construction is due to begin early next year and represents one of the most significant development opportunities on The Spit in recent years.

Ignite Projects’ expanding portfolio and repeat-builder partnerships underscore the company’s commitment to delivering high-quality, design-led developments across the Gold Coast.

Onsite activity at Retreat is now progressing, with earthworks already underway and construction commencing in the new year.

NPA CEO Andrew Erwin said the remarkable sales result was a clear vote of confidence in the enviable Jefferson Lane lifestyle.

“With over 50 per cent of apartments already sold, we are seeing strong demand from local owner-occupiers who are upgrading to be on the beachside of the highway and want the exclusivity, privacy and walkability that only Jefferson Lane can offer," he said.

“At the same time, we’re attracting a new wave of discerning ‘lifestyle investors’ who want the best of both worlds: a beautifully designed beachfront apartment they can enjoy for holidays, with the flexibility of short-term letting to generate income when they’re not using it. It’s a genuine win-win and a major reason Retreat has resonated so strongly.”