GH Properties Reboots Icon Milton to BtR Scheme

Four years after suspending work on its multi-residential two-tower Icon project at Milton, GH Properties is rebooting its plans for the site. 

The Hong Kong-based developer halted work on the project in 2019 after building out the ground and first floors of the towers that would have comprised 286 build-to-sell apartments.

Jackson Teece has redesigned the project on the 2343sq m site at 20 Walsh Street to flip it to build-to-rent.

The plans also bump up the height of the two towers to 25 storeys, adding an additional 63 apartments, and changing the mix to comprise more two-bedroom typologies across the 349-apartment development. 

Place Design Group said the increase to height and density was in step with other approved towers in the area. 

“The proposed additional height is minor in comparison to the surrounding development pattern and established built form, so it is likely that the additional height will have a negligible impact on the streetscape of Walsh Street or the experience of the pedestrian within the public realm,” a spokesman for Place Design Group said. 

▲ Work was halted four years ago after the ground and first floors were built on the apartment tower project in Milton.

“The change application has also taken the opportunity to provide additional built form on Crombie Street, which provides for further activation of the streetscape and public realm, contributing to the ongoing evolution of the street frontage, particularly in the context of adjacent development approvals and applications.”

The project will now comprise 8 studios, 115 one-bed apartments, 221 two-bedders and  5 three-bed apartments as well as a communal rooftop space, and gym, wellness centre and pool. 

The facade has been updated to reflect more subtropical design elements, according to Jackson Teece.

Creation of “community” was central to the design, Jackson Teece director Daniel Hudson said. 

“The program features a series of precincts throughout the ground levels and rooftop, providing spaces that will appeal to different residents at various times of the day,” he said. 

“A health precinct has been separated from the main program to enhance its identity as a separate facility with a feeling of exclusivity. Other offerings such as a co-working area, creative precinct, rooftop lounges and entertaining spaces, and a walking loop around the rooftop all encourage activity and social interaction.”

▲ The height of the tower has been boosted with changes to the facade proposed. Images: Jackson Teece

Hudson said the revised design focused on finding construction efficiencies that reduced maintenance requirements into the future. 

This was achieved through consideration of materials, reducing the number of trades on site, the provision of flexible spaces with multiple uses, with the intention to minimise costs while still achieving a high quality architectural outcome and high level of amenity for the residents, Hudson said. 

According to planning documents the new design “capitalised on the changes to align the overall architecture with an updated material palette and identity as well as implementing key sustainable design principles”. 

“The proposed design of the development implements substantial breaks in the built form through deep recesses, balconies and a central green link,” the report said. 

“The inclusion of the green link central to the tower allows the overall development to appear as separate forms rather than the one mass. This is also evident through the changes in height as well as the subtle difference between the facades and its colour palette.” 

The original development was a $175-million luxury apartment project that would “meet demand for luxury apartments in the inner suburbs of Brisbane”.

The developer recently called time on its Noosa Springs proposed hotel development after it became clear the Noosa Shire Council would not support the project. The developer halted the Council’s decision on the project.