Core Property Plots Paddington Revitalisation

Revitalisation plans have been filed for a retail strip along one of Brisbane’s most historic inner-city high streets with a front row window-shopping seat to the 2032 Olympics.

The mixed-use proposal is earmarked for a 2830sq m site at 208-220 Given Terrace, Paddington, in the city’s inner-west.

As well as the revival of the character-filled retail strip, it comprises two midrise buildings of five and four storeys to accommodate 12 luxury apartments and 31 short-term accommodation suites respectively.

Under the plans, a new activated laneway also would be created.

To be named Hanlon Lane—in homage to former Queensland premier  Michael Edward “Ned” Hanlon—it would showcase the suburb’s history and community pioneers dating back to the 1880s.

Longstanding Paddington landlord, the Vidakovic family’s P&MV Constructions, is behind the proposal with developer Core Property Partners.

P&MV Constructions’ Nick Vidakovic said the project was a once-in-a-generation opportunity to create the catalyst for a broader revival of the high street to attract more people back to Paddington’s retail heart.

“We believe by transforming this part of Paddington into a precinct, rather than a destination, will improve foot traffic not only on Given Terrace, but also on Latrobe Terrace,” he said.

“Hopefully, this will kick off a broader rejuvenation of the area, which will benefit all local businesses in and around the terraces.”

The scheme has been designed by DAH Architecture’s David Hansford, drawing inspiration from the suburb’s tin and timber homes and Brisbane’s contemporary sub-tropical lifestyle.

▲ A render of the mixed-use proposal for the retail strip at Paddington.

Core Property development manager Bikram Kaler said a key focus was the restoration of the character retail strip to accommodate artisan providores, restaurants and cafes.

“Given Terrace is the original heart of Brisbane’s high fashion and cafe culture, however, in recent years it has lost some of that lustre,’’ he said.

“The proposed development seeks to preserve Paddington’s character and reinvest in the prominent retail strip so that it attracts more food and fashion lovers to the high street.”

The project’s residential and short-stay accommodation buildings would be set back from the retail strip’s character facades.

Kaler said the development proposal also recognised the site’s proximity to Suncorp Stadium and other 2032 Olympics precincts.

“Paddington is well connected to the city’s top sporting and entertainment sites, with the transition of Given Terrace to Caxton Street providing seamless pedestrian access to Suncorp Stadium, The Barracks, and the proposed Brisbane Arena precinct at Roma Street,” he said.

“Enhancing the existing retail spaces and providing a mix of residential and short stay accommodation will encourage increased visitation, create new jobs and deliver a positive economic impact for the suburb in the lead up to the 2032 Olympics and beyond.”