Greek Australian developer Con Nikiforides passed away last week, following a long battle with cancer.

The 56-year-old was surrounded by those closest to him at his passing on the evening of Tuesday 14 March.

Family and colleagues took to social media to pay their tributes, among them Sunland boss Soheil Abedian who wrote a heartfelt message on Twitter.

“My heartfelt condolences to all the family of Con Nikiforides,” Mr Abedian wrote. “You all are in our thoughts and prayers. He will be lovingly remembered.”

Mr Nikiforides arrived on the Gold Coast in 1978 together with his father Bill who was also a developer.

A gemologist by training, after his father fell ill in the 1980s, he stepped up to take over the family’s company and would subsequently play a key role in the redevelopment of Broadbeach.

It was during that decade that he went on develop Niecon Plaza, along with several other projects across the Coast over the coming years, including Aqua, Nirvana and Reflections.

However Oracle Towers, an $850 million development and one of the most striking buildings in the city, would be remembered as his greatest project.

In 2012, Broadbeach Soccer Oval was renamed Nikiforides Family Park by the Gold Coast City Council in recognition of the family’s long contribution to the city over the years.

Having taken a step back from the company following his diagnosis, his sons have ensured that their father’s legacy continues, with promising developments of their own including luxury 59-unit tower The Park at Mermaid Beach.

Mr Nikiforides is survived by his wife, three sons, mother and brother.