One of the Gold Coast’s most iconic landmarks is set for new million-dollar apartments.

Building started on Burleigh’s iconic headlands this week to make way for the first apartments on the hill in 30 years.

The One Burleigh Headland project will have nine luxury apartments, built into the headland at a slant in an effort to blend into the natural surroundings.

The upper apartments will have ocean views. Photo: Supplied

Velocity Property Group CEO Brendon Ansell said the apartments would be “sensitive” to the landmark location and would almost be “hidden in the hillside”.

“We have taken considerable time and investment in our design to complement the environment, not take away from it,” Mr Ansell said.

“Things like giving each apartment self-sustaining gardens that will grow out over the edges and blend more into the hill.”

Five of the nine apartments have already sold. Photo: Supplied

Mr Ansell said his apartments were designed as homes.

“They [Burleigh locals] are a tough crowd to please, but we’ve done our best to make sure the apartments fit their environment,” Mr Ansell said.

“So far all the apartments have been purchased by locals.”

The Gemini Court Apartments were the last major development in the headlands area. Photo: www.booking.com

Local councillor Pauline Young said she was surprised how well-received the development had been.

“The headlands are extraordinarily important to the locals here and the indigenous community too,” Cr Young said.

“I was almost expecting some more community concern, but because its design takes the shape of the headlands and blends in, people have been OK with it.”

She said the headland was protected with a “tough” approval process.

“Although Burleigh is a growing suburb, there are strict conditions that needed to be met for the project, and in this case they were met,” she said.

The last major development in the headlands area was two 15-plus storey Gemini towers, which are mainly used as holiday accommodation.

Prices will set buyers back $1.64 million and five have already sold, including the penthouse, which is under conditional sale.

The project is set to be completed before December 2017.