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Construction boss Brett Walker is behind plans for a short-term accommodation development to be operated by Quest Apartment Hotels next to one of Brisbane’s oldest pubs.
The three-storey proposal comprising 40 dual-key rooms is earmarked for a large vacant portion of a corner site occupied by the Trade Coast Hotel at Eagle Farm Road, Pinkenba.
It sits on the northern side of the Brisbane River in the heart of the city’s port area, about 12km north-east of the Brisbane CBD.
The pub—formerly known as the Pinkenba Hotel or “The Pink”—was rebranded after a $3-million makeover in 2020. Its history dates back to 1910 when it was originally established by Scottish immigrant Ellen Bain.
Property records show an entity linked to Walker, who heads BWC construction group, acquired the 13-lot pub holding at 142-158A Eagle Farm Road and 10-24 Neill Street for $2.4 million in August 2007.
Under the latest plans, the existing Trade Coast Hotel is to remain “relatively untouched” and the Quest-branded short-stay accommodation building constructed at the rear of the site fronting Neill Street.
As part of the proposal, the 9617sq m holding would be subdivided into two lots to enable “each operation to be run independently”.
According to a planning report, a needs assessment submitted in 2006 with a motel proposal for the site deemed the Pinkenba area in need of extra accommodation due to “increasing levels of business travellers servicing the rapidly developing industrial facilities around the airport”.
“It is noted that since this report was prepared, short-term accommodation in the immediate area has not increased whilst the industrial facilities, airport facilities and port facilities [have] significantly expanded over the past 20 years,” the latest application said.
“Additional accommodation in this location provides a non-residential use of service to not only the workforce associated with the surrounding industrial area, but also reinforces the future viability of the established uses in the area including the Trade Coast Hotel.”
The planning documents also said Quest Apartment Hotels had indicated in discussions with the proponents that the Pinkenba site “represents an opportune location for expansion”.
As well, the proposal aligns with its growth strategy in partnering with developers to implement its business model.
The scheme for the so-called Quest Pinkenba development has been designed by O’Neill Architecture.
“The proposal seeks to add value to the site and the Pinkenba area by providing short-stay accommodation,” a design statement said.
It said the proposed building was “deliberately minimal, sustainably minded, naturally inspired, and crafted to the aspect and surrounds”.
“The contribution to the Pinkenba village is an enhanced streetscape replacing the current temporary [industrial/construction material] storage, and a new building type to enhance the perception of Pinkenba as a standalone community and destination.
“The Quest Pinkenba project seeks to create a considered blend of nature, functionality and aesthetics, enhancing the experience for visitors and residents alike.”
Communal open space on the ground floor would include a gym, pool, barbecue area and lawn.
A business lounge and conference room are also in the plans.
As well, an additional crossover is proposed at the site’s Neill Street frontage to provide access to the porte-cochere and ground-floor carparking underneath the new building.
A total of 40 carparking spaces are planned for the Quest accommodation and 61 spaces for the Trade Coast Hotel.
