Latest developments: Inside Queensland’s changing skyline
InDaily takes a look at the latest developments and properties changing hands as the state continues to expand.
State fast-tracks thousands of homes for Bowen Hills
The Queensland Government claims it is preparing to deliver 27,000 homes and a new dining district in Bowen Hills, an area set to be a key precinct for the 2032 Olympic Games.
Reigniting one of Queensland’s oldest Priority Developments Areas (PDAs), the government said amendments could fast-track up to 27,000 homes in the area, while supporting dining near the Brisbane Showgrounds, including boutique breweries and micro-distilleries.
The 108-hectare area borders the Victoria Park precinct to connect the park, the new Brisbane Stadium, the National Aquatic Centre and the Brisbane Showgrounds.
The Bowen Hills Priority Development Area was declared back in 2008 by the Bligh Labor Government and the Crisafulli Government committed to reviewing it in March this year, with the total number of homes to be delivered across the life of the PDA.
The proposed amendments would increase heigh limits from 30 storeys to 50. Similar development scheme changes saw the Woolloongabba PDA receive a 466 percent increase in housing-related development application within less than 12 months.
Deputy Premier and Minister for State Development, Infrastructure and Planning Jarrod Bleijie said the state government was addressing the housing crisis while leveraging the Olympic and Paralympic Games for future generations.
“We have a once in a generation opportunity to leverage and grab hold of the halo benefits and city shaping economic legacy that the 2032 Games will unlock,” Deputy Premier Bleijie said.
Brisbane architect’s apartments lodged for approval
Newstead-based real estate developer Frank Developments has lodged plans with Brisbane City Council for a residential development designed by local firm Cavill Architects.
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The boutique apartment development, Elena, is in Helen Street, Teneriffe with the developers claiming it would bring in the character of historic woolstores and the energy of neighbouring James Street.
The nine-story proposal would have 38 apartments designed for long-term owner-occupiers with primarily three-bedroom dwellings.
There are private pools across ground and rooftop levels, alongside a communal rooftop pool, subtropical planting throughout and a design that draws in cool breezes and natural daylight.
Frank Developments founder and managing director Frank Licastro said the company is deeply invested in this real estate pocket, as the Elena project is their fourth development application in the suburb.
“We wanted the building … to have the permanence and craftsmanship of the old Teneriffe, but the openness, greenery and subtropical quality of Brisbane today,” said Licastro.
“By acquiring neighbouring sites, we’re able to take a more considered view of how buildings sit together, protect important outlooks, create appropriate setbacks and deliver design outcomes that strengthen the character of the neighbourhood.”
If approved, Elena could be delivered by Q3 2029.
World-class sporting precinct for Mackay
The Queensland Government has committed $23.5 million towards Stage 2 at the Harrup Park redevelopment, while calling on the Federal Government to commit more funding for the project which is currently estimated to cost $47 million.
Stage 2 would feature indoor cricket nets, AFL training facilities including a gym, dormitory accomodation, community sports meeting rooms and administration offices.
The project is designed to complement the Great Barrier Reef Arena and deliver an multi-sport facility for the region.
Minister for Sport and Racing and Minister for the Olympic and Paralympic Games Tim Mander said the Mackay region needed the Stage 2 facility.
“We are delivering $23.5 million through the incredibly successful Games On! program to make this happen for the people of Mackay and the region and are calling on the Federal Government to match the funding,” Mander said.
Major grandstand construction underway
North Ipswich Reserve is set to receive a new grandstand, with the $40 million project’s construction already underway.
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Funded by the Australian Government ($20 million), the Queensland Government ($10 million) and Ipswich City Council ($10 million), the redevelopment is expected to transform the reserve into a premier sport and entertainment venue.
Ipswich Mayor Teresa Harding said the project cemented the city’s long-standing reputation as rugby league heartland, bringing state-of-the-art facilities to the home of Ipswich Jets.
“Construction of the North Ipswich Reserve Western Grandstand is a major step in Ipswich’s journey to the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games as we deliver another venue for elite sporting performance,” Harding said.
The new grandstand will provide seating for 2,199 spectators, 200 more than the earlier design allowed, plus coaches’ boxes, four change rooms, media facilities, function facilities for up to 250 guests plus a new public plaza and carpark extension.
“The North Ipswich Reserve Western Grandstand will sit alongside Brighton Homes Arena, which has been confirmed as a Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games venue, as the jewels of Ipswich’s sporting landscape,” Mayor Harding added.
The grandstand is scheduled to be delivered in late 2027 in time for the 2028 rugby league season.
Rockhampton Ring Road update
The construction of the Rockhampton Ring Road reached a milestone this month with progress at Fitzroy River bridge, Capricorn Highway Connector Bridge, the Werribee Street precast yard and several overpasses north of the river, the federal government said.
Piling has begun on Rockhampton’s third crossing of the Fitzroy River at the Pink Lily riverbank for the new bridge, marking the start of construction for the foundation of the 435-metre bridge linking Pink Lily and Parkhurst.
Meanwhile, the temporary work platform across the Fitzroy River continues with only five spans remaining before reaching the Parkhurst riverbank, which will support construction movements.
Additionally, the last of 150 girders for the 841-metre Capricorn Highway connector bridge have been installed, with girder measuring 34 metres in length and weighing 84 tonnes.
In North Rockhampton, construction has been finalised on the Werribee Street precast yard shed and installation of gantry cranes ahead of commissioning in October, with the purpose-built facility to manufacture 312 concrete segments required for the new Fitzroy River bridge.
The Rockhampton Ring Road is jointly funded by the federal and state governments to deliver a 14.7 kilometre western link of the Bruce Highway.
Federal Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government Catherine King said the project continued to demonstrate strong progress across multiple fronts.
The project is expected to be delivered before the 2032 Olympic Games, which will host rowing in Rockhampton.
Prominent Paddington strip hits market
A mixed-use site along Paddington’s high-profile retail strip Given Terrace has been given development approval and put on the market for the first time in almost 40 years.
The site is known as The Paddington Collection and the 1,529sqm Brisbane site currently holds 1,233sqm of leased area across multiple buildings with ground floor retail, hospitality and residential tenancies.
Long-standing tenants include Grappino, Gnocchi Gnocchi Brothers, Noir, Anouk, Attimi and Olive Homewares.
The property has Brisbane City Council Development Approval for a substantial mixed-use redevelopment, including 12 three-bedroom residences and 33 short-term accomodation suites above a refurbished collection of eight retail tenancies.
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