DA Lodged For $200m Gateway To Brisbane

Brisbane might soon be seeing a $200 million iconic gateway tower after Consolidated Properties lodged a development application with Brisbane City Council.

The plans detail a 39-level, 340 apartment residential tower called Spire, situated on 1,530 square metres in Brisbane’s CBD.

Designed by leading Australian architectural team John Wardle Architects, Spire is located at 550 Queen Street, bordered by Queen and Ann Streets.

Consolidated Properties Executive Chairman Don O’Rorke said Spire responded to an opportunity that has been created by a timely gap in the market for Brisbane CBD residential accommodation.

“Brisbane’s inner city population is expected to increase by more than 56,000 people by 2031, requiring around 50 more office and apartment towers to accommodate demand.

Mr O’Rorke said the building’s name, Spire, took it inspiration from its close proximity to St John’s cathedral on Ann Street.

“We felt it was imperative that our new residential tower acknowledged the heritage views and vistas of its location, as these help to define our city and ensure it remains as a desirable place to live, work and do business.”

“The building’s design includes a podium level, which folds back to ensure the vista of the St John’s Cathedral steeple remains uninterrupted along Ann Street.

John Wardle Architects Principal Bill Krotiris said: “As a major entry point to the city…the tower’s curved form gives it a sleekness befitting such an outstanding location.”

“The tower’s facade is conceived as a veil acting as a sun and privacy shield which expands and contracts depending on interior living requirements. The veil expands around living areas and balconies to open up views and contracts around bedrooms for privacy and sun shading.”

The building comprises one and two-bedroom apartments, a rooftop infinity pool and sky garden, library, theatre room, private dining rooms, along with street-level cafes and retail shops fronting Ann and Queen Streets.

The building’s location and its design is set to provide apartment owners with expansive views of the city, the Story Bridge and Brisbane River.

Once the building receives development approval, Consolidated Properties will establish a sales and marketing strategy for Spire commencing by mid-2015, with construction to commence shortly after.

Consolidated Properties has partnered with real estate principal investment group Qualitas for the Spire Project.