Brisbane’s former Children’s Court site is set to undergo a stunning transformation with the unveiling of plans for a 32-storey unit tower between Roma Street Station and Suncorp Stadium in Milton.
The development has been selected as the State Government’s third pilot build-to-rent project. The tower will feature 475 apartments, with up to 250 units offering government-subsidized rent.
Treasurer Cameron Dick announced Cedar Pacific as the chosen developer in February 2023, and construction is expected to commence later this year, with residents moving in by 2027.
On Friday 5 May 2023, Cedar Pacific submitted plans to the Brisbane City Council for the demolition of the old court building and the construction of the new tower through DA A006266134.
The tower’s design includes a landscaped rooftop, communal multipurpose areas, a co-working space, cinema, games room, gym, pool, barbecue area, and outdoor open space.
Additionally, a pedestrian arcade will be created on the western boundary to facilitate access between the two street frontages, both of which will have landscaped areas and a welcoming atmosphere. A food and drink outlet will also be located on the higher Quay Street level.
The majority of the units will consist of one-bedroom apartments, with 75 studio apartments, 125 two-bedroom dwellings, and 25 three-bedroom units also included. Each apartment will have a balcony.
Vehicle access will be available from Quay Street, and the development will provide 234 resident parking spaces, along with visitor and bicycle spaces, due to its central location and the expected preferences of its tenants.
Although the tower exceeds the 20-storey limit outlined in the City Centre neighborhood plan, Cedar Pacific has reduced the height from the initial plan of 37 storeys. The surrounding developments on either side of the tower also exceed the height limit, positioning the Cedar Pacific building as a transitional element between the higher and lower towers.
According to the plans, the existing building on the site is disused and visually unappealing, offering a poor-quality streetscape and lacking pedestrian connectivity. The proposed development aims to revitalize the site by constructing a landmark building with an accessible ground floor. This transformation is seen as a significant and positive contribution to the city’s entrance.
Published 17-May-2023