Towering Brisbane Olympic Precinct Plans Add BtR to Mix

Four towers spanning almost a hectare at Woolloongabba have joined the rising field of projects limbering up for a multi-billion-dollar development race in the Brisbane 2032 Olympic precinct.

One of the towers is slated for a 230-room hotel and serviced apartments.

But the other three towers would comprise more than 1380 build-to-rent apartments, tapping into the Queensland capital’s acute shortage of housing stock.

Plans for the $1.5-billion development—dubbed the Gabba Heart Precinct—have been lodged with the Brisbane City Council by developer Todd Brown’s Brisbane-based Belmonde Property Group in a joint venture with Sun Luxe Group.

The application is for a preliminary approval to provide an overarching development framework to ensure the project aligns with “the changing nature of the locality and the future opportunities this presents”.

“Due to the size and prominence of the site, the development proposal seeks to impose planning provisions that facilitates the future development of an integrated, high quality subtropical development outcome on the site that respects and leverages the future vision for the Woolloongabba area,” it said.

According to the planning report supporting the application, the site provided the “ideal opportunity” for the delivery of build-to-rent development in a key inner-city location well-serviced by infrastructure and amenities.

“Build-to-rent has been acknowledged by all levels of government as an opportunity to curb the housing crisis by delivering large-scale residential properties specifically designed, built and managed for long-term rental,” the report said.

“The scale of the site provides a unique offering to bring significant scale and supply of dwellings to the local area.” 

Other proposed uses include centre activities (retail, food and drink outlets, healthcare services, indoor sport and recreation), a showroom, market, parking station, residential care and retirement facilities.

▲ The site of the proposed Gabba Heart Precinct at 79 Logan Road, Woolloongabba. Image: Nearmap

Each of the proposed towers would incorporate extensive communal recreation spaces and amenity on both the podium and rooftop levels—including pools, spas, a yoga lawn, alfresco dining areas with city views, lounges and productive gardens for growing fruit, vegetables and herbs.

The scheme for the 9361sq m site at 79 Logan Road has been designed by architects Cottee Parker with towers ranging from 36 to 41 storeys sitting above three podiums.

“The Gabba Heart Precinct will reactivate the heart of Woolloongabba, embracing Brisbane’s subtropical climate and showcasing the best of Queensland’s unique climate and lifestyle with iconic architecture,” a submitted design statement said.

“Drawing inspiration from Woolloongabba’s history as a place close to water and an important ceremonial gathering place, the ‘whole-of-precinct’ vision enhances the public realm connecting to the broader Woolloongabba block.”

As well as the transformation of the site into “a vibrant community focal point with art installations and improved embellishments”, the proposal includes upgrades to the adjacent Jurgens Park plus the creation of a high street retail precinct along Logan Road and a destination for markets and game day festivals.

Cottee Parker Director Martin Timms said the Gabba Heart Precinct would “do for Woolloongabba what the James Street Precinct did for Fortitude Valley”.

“This is the first of what I’m sure will be many developments to meet the needs of the 2032 Brisbane Olympic Games,” he said.

“This project will reactivate the heart of Woolloongabba, embracing Brisbane’s subtropical climate and showcase the best of Queensland’s unique climate and lifestyle with iconic architecture.”

Property records show the site bordered by Logan Road, Jurgens and Walker streets last changed hands in 2016 for $19.15 million. 

▲ A render of Trenert Group’s multi-tower mixed-use development proposal.

Earlier this year, Trenert Group lodged plans for a $1.2-billion, five-tower mixed-use development that would span almost an entire Woollangabba block with the heritage-listed Railway Hotel—previously also known as the Chalk Hotel—as its centrepiece.

It followed the Queensland and federal governments reaching a $7-billion-plus funding agreement to supercharge preparations for the Brisbane Games along with a decision to expand the Gabba Olympic Priority Development Area.

Trenert plans to deliver 200,000sq m of gross building area by 2030—including a 40-storey-plus five-star international hotel with 320 suites, 36-level residential tower with 165 apartments, 18-level short-term accommodation tower and 16-level tower with 114 social and affordable housing units in partnership with community housing provider BlueCHP.

It also includes a 22-level commercial tower with 50,000sq m of office space, retail plaza and food and beverage outlets totalling 6000sq m and 7000sq m of open and green space.

Nearby, developer Aria Property Group has recently seized the development opportunity of the emerging Olympic hub and filed upscaled plans for its Canopy House apartment tower already under construction on a 1500sq m site at the corner of Leopard and Vulture streets, Kangaroo Point.

Under the revised proposal, Aria is seeking to increase the building height from its approved 22 storeys to 30 storeys and residential density from 105 to 136 apartments.