Pyco Group Adds South Brisbane Scheme to Pipeline

Sydney-based Pyco Group is pumping up its south-east Queensland pipeline, filing plans for its fifth project north of the New South Wales border.

It has lodged a proposal for an 11-storey tower comprising 65 apartments at inner-city South Brisbane.

The amalgamated site spanning 1836sq m at 37-39 Browning Street is 2km south-west of the Brisbane CBD.

It aimed to provide inner-city housing for households and families close to jobs, schools, transport, mixed-use areas and public spaces, a planning report said.

“The site’s context and highly accessible location presents the opportunity to diversify the high density living product within South Brisbane.

“The proposed development will deliver predominantly three-bedroom units, whilst also providing for housing choice with one and two-bedroom product. The nature of many units is that they will achieve relative affordability in the local market,” the report said.

Under the plans, the tower would accommodate 1 one-bedroom, 11 two-bedroom and 53 three-bedroom units across 10 levels above two basement levels and a ground floor with a small-scale 40sq m retail tenancy.

The scheme designed by Gatehouse Architects also features a rooftop recreational area comprising a combination of indoor and outdoor spaces including barbecue and dining areas, a pool, gym, sauna and steam room, wellness lawn and landscaped areas with seating.

▲ Pyco Group's proposed 11-storey development comprising 65 apartments at 37-39 Browning Street, West End.

Basement parking for 92 cars would be provided as well as storage/racks for 30 bicycles.

“This multi-residential development thoughtfully engages with the evolving urban character of Browning Street,” a submitted design statement said.

“The proposal echoes the spirit of early developments like Watson Terrace (a building constructed in 1888), by contributing to the growth and diversification of the local population.

“Just as Watson Terrace played a role in the area’s early gentrification, this development continues that trajectory, delivering contemporary housing that responds to the evolving needs of South Brisbane’s expanding community.

“White textured render, expansive glazing, white aluminium battens, and light-toned brickwork define the exterior, with the brick base grounding the building and referencing the materiality of the precinct’s heritage.”

Developer Pyco Group, led by Lachlan Cottee, has turned its attention to south-east Queensland in recent years with the 26-unit The Bailey and 36-apartment Atelier both rising eight storeys at nearby West End, as well as the arch-filled, 42-unit Noeveau at Albion in the city’s inner-north and 14-storey, 97-apartment Gold Coast debut Onde Kirra at Coolangatta.