A development application by Tocu Properties has been approved for a 12-storey residential tower at 28 Beesley Street, West End, Brisbane. The approved project includes high-density residential apartments with ground-level retail spaces and basement-level car parking facilities.
Woods Bagot, the architectural firm behind this project, has crafted a modern design that incorporates natural elements along the street frontages of Beesley and Filmer Streets. Their approach to the facade integrates planter boxes and promotes cross-ventilation, aiming to create a sustainable living environment. According to the design statement, the building’s aesthetic seeks to “harmonise with the evolving urban character of West End,” while providing access to ample natural light and fresh air for residents.
The building also includes a rooftop terrace designed as a communal space for residents, featuring landscaped gardens, seating areas, and recreational amenities. Podium-level planted areas and ground-floor communal facilities further enhance the living experience by offering green spaces for social interaction and relaxation.
Project rundown
| Development Parameter | Approved Development |
|---|---|
| Address: | 28 Beesley St and 4-10 Filmer St, West End |
| Development Type: | Mixed-Use Residential and Retail |
| Site Area: | 1,648m² |
| Gross Floor Area (GFA): | 895m² |
| Height: | 12 storeys / approximately 35 metres |
| Apartments: | 2-Bedroom Units (2B): 12 units 2-Bedroom Plus (2B+): 18 units 3-Bedroom Units (3B+): 12 units Total Units: 42 units in the development. |
| Elevators: | x2 elevators (lift-to-unit ratio of 1:21) |
| Communal Space: | Rooftop terrace with landscaped areas, ground-level communal facilities |
| Retail: | No planned retail |
| Car Parking: | 59 spaces |
| Bike Parking: | 53 spaces |
| Developer: | Tocu Properties |
| Architect: | Woods Bagot |
| Landscape Design: | RPS |
| Town Planner: | Saunders Havill Group |
| Sustainability: | Deep planting, natural light and ventilation, energy-efficient glazing, retention of street trees, cross-ventilation through facade design. – There is no recycling chute or diverter proposed for this building meaning residents will need to manually carry all recycling down elevators into the basement, discouraging building recycling. – No planned rooftop solar PV system |
| Approval Date: | May 2024 |
| Assessment Level | Code Assessable |
| DA Application Link | A006494917 |
Landscape design for the development is being led by RPS, which has integrated a variety of natural elements to enhance the site’s connection to the urban fabric. Key landscape features include deep planting around the perimeter to soften the building’s edges, retention of mature street trees along Filmer Street, and rooftop garden spaces for communal use. These green spaces are designed to improve the residents’ quality of life by providing shaded, natural areas for relaxation and social gatherings.
Information Request Response
In response to Brisbane City Council’s information request, several revisions were made to the design. These include a reconfigured basement to allow for more deep planting along Beesley and Filmer Streets, the retention of a key street tree along Filmer Street, and the addition of facade planters to improve airflow and natural lighting in the building’s corridors. Additionally, the driveway width was expanded to accommodate larger service vehicles.
Conditions of Approval
Brisbane City Council has granted approval with specific conditions:
- Maintain Approved Development: The building must comply with the approved drawings and any additional Council requirements.
- Protection of Infrastructure: Public infrastructure like roads, footpaths, and utilities must be safeguarded, with any damage promptly repaired by the developer.
- Flood Compliance: Due to the flood hazard overlay, the building must meet structural standards designed to withstand flood impacts.
- Completion of Operational Work: All construction and landscaping must be finalised before the Certificate of Occupancy is issued.
Tocu Properties specialises in boutique residential projects across Brisbane. According to their website, they focus on creating high-quality homes with excellent natural light, ventilation, and well-thought-out landscaping. Notable projects include The Archer Residences in Sherwood and Fulcher Lane in Red Hill.
That streetscape is disappointing. That area flooded last time around so I guess that’s the best they can do, big tower on concrete chocks