Brisbane City Council has approved the development application of a 15-storey residential complex with short-term accommodation, and food and drinks outlets on Gregory Terrace despite the locals protesting that the project will ruin the historical and cultural significance of Spring Hill.
Council decided on the development application (DA A005608964) on 23 April 2021 but the details surrounding the approval have yet to be made public, as of press time.
The project, which will see the demolition of the old Energex building, will include 113 apartment units and another 120 hotel rooms, as well as bars and restaurants, a pool facility, and communal function rooms.
The building, designed by DBI, will incorporate a vertical garden with planter boxes on the balconies and a rooftop terrace with landscaping. Developer Keylin Land Holdings visualises a contemporary structure with an art deco twist to complement the style of the neighbourhood.
However, a petition opened by Spring Hill local Melissa Botha, received 335 signatures from residents who don’t want the development to push through. Ms Botha said that the planned design is “out of step with Spring Hill,” one of the oldest neighbourhoods in Brisbane surrounded by terrace houses.
The protesters also said that the building will take out the natural light in the area and restrict the ventilation of the neighbourhood. The scope of the project will also increase the noise, air and traffic concerns in Gregory Terrace.
Though the development application does not require a public notification nor an appeal with the Planning and Environment Court, as it is code accessible, residents were alerted when work has started at the old Energex building in mid-March.