Brisbane Approves Wave of Waterfront Developments

Brisbane’s city skyline will continue to transform with a wave of major development projects receiving the official tick of approval.

Superfund developer Cbus Property, Neilson properties and the Raniga family are advancing plans for a $600 million commercial tower in Brisbane’s North Quarter precinct.

While Dexus’ $2.1 billion Waterfront office development, comprising two towers to stand 49-storeys and 43-storeys, was given the nod in December.

Council’s decisions reflect major development taking place in Brisbane CBD, with the $3.6 billion Queen’s Wharf well underway, and its core integrated resort development slated to open next year.

Dexus’ expansive Eagle Street Pier and waterfront place precinct, designed by FJMT and Arkhefield, is slated to start work in 2022 with the first tower expected to be completed in 2026.

The country's biggest office landlord lodged plans for the 9,000sq m riverfront site in June last year, with council announcing its approval days before Christmas.

In Brisbane’s fast-growing North Quarter precinct, Cbus Property, Brisbane-based Neilson properties and the Raniga family lodged their development application to council in July last year.

Existing buildings on the site will be demolished to make way for a 38-storey A-grade tower on the prime 2,963sq m riverfront site following council’s December approval.

The Hassell, REX and Brisbane’s Richards & Spence designed plans involve 50,000sq m of office space, a child care centre, a whole-floor wellness centre, 25-metre lap pool, function space, outdoor terraces, retail, along with three levels of basement parking comprising 116 car spaces.

The tower, at 205 North Quay and 30 Herschel Street, will cover approximately 69 per cent of the site.

The construction super fund’s property arm partnered with local group Nielson Properties to develop the tower in 2019.

Nielson Properties, also behind the 22-storey twin tower Mondrian Gold Coast development, owns the near 3,000sq m prime Brisbane site, having acquired 205 North Quay in 2002 and Herschel Street in 2005.

Last week, listed developer Charter Hall lodged two sets of Blight Rayner-designed plans for its own riverfront site in the North Quarter precinct.

The dual proposals involve a single commercial tower, comprising 50,000sq m of office space, or two smaller commercial towers, comprising 23,000sq m and 36,000sq m respectively for the 309 North Quay site.

And in December, the state government announced Mirvac as the successful proponent for the $670 million redevelopment of 200 Turbot Street.

The agreement gives Mirvac exclusivity to secure a leasing pre-commitment for a new commercial office tower of the 200 Turbot Street address, formerly leased to The University of Queensland Dental School.