A development application has been submitted by Brisbane developer Keylin for a new dual-tower art deco-style residential and hotel development at 447 Gregory Terrace, Spring Hill.
Designed by DBI, the 15 storey twin tower project would accommodate 113 apartments and 120 hotel rooms and features massed plantings extending into the buildings through planned vertical gardens.
The 3,372m2 site, which was formerly the Energex headquarters, is fronting Brisbane’s large new Victoria Park redevelopment, which was revealed to the public this week and when complete would feature a central lake, waterplay space, canopy walk and high ropes course and 60 per cent tree cover.
Keylin Senior Development Manager Ian de Kretser says the design of the as yet unnamed twin buildings will take a contemporary approach to the historic, art deco style of Spring Hill.
Mr de Kretser says the buildings will occupy one of the signature sites in the transformation of Spring Hill, with access to major new recreation, transport, employment and entertainment hubs.
“The front row seat to what will become Brisbane’s version of Central Park makes this project absolutely iconic, and we have answered this with a design that provides a true entry statement to Spring Hill and the parklands,” he said.
“The inclusion of climbing greenery across the façades, planter boxes on balconies and a
landscaped rooftop terrace will allow the buildings to live and breathe as part of their
surrounding environment.
“In addition to Victoria Park, the 447 Gregory project is in proximity to the RNA Showgrounds, which is also undergoing a major redevelopment, and is within easy reach of the Cross River Rail, Brisbane Metro, Brisbane Live precinct, Royal Brisbane and Women’s Hospital, QUT and Herston Quarter.
“This amenity-rich locale has provided the perfect canvas for both residential and hotel
development, with each building designed to cater to specific markets.”
Development rundown
- Site Area: 3,372m2
- Tower Site Cover: 56.6%
- Uses:
• Podium: Communal indoor and outdoor facilities associated with both the
multiple dwelling and short term accommodation uses
• Building A (tower): 113 multiple dwelling units, hotel lobby function facility
and hotel dining area / food and drink outlet
• Building B (tower): 120 hotel (short-term accommodation) rooms - Apartments: 2 x one bedrooms; 48 x two bedrooms; 34 x three bedrooms; 29 x four bedrooms
- Height: Building A – 15 Storeys and 55 – 57.5m. Building B – 15 storeys and 57m
- Gross Floor Area / Yield: 113 multiple dwelling units. 120 short-term accommodation rooms. Hotel dining / food and drink outlet – 200m2. Function facility – 323m2
- Landscaping: Deep planting – 340m2 (10%). Landscaping – 1,400m2 (41%)
- Communal space: 1,615m2. At level 14 the tower includes indoor and outdoor communal space for the residents, including a lounge area, business centre, private dining area, theatres space and landscaped outdoor terrace
- Car parking: 235 spaces, including:
• 185 resident spaces;
• 20 resident visitor spaces; and
• 30 hotel spaces
Mr de Kretser said the residential building would include a mix of two, three and four bedroom apartments for owner occupiers, while the hotel would appeal to local and business travellers.
“The apartments are larger, home-style residences with view corridors to Victoria Park, Mount Coot-tha and the city skyline,” he said.
“Atop the building is three penthouses, which each boast their own private rooftop terrace, in addition to a communal terrace on level 14 which includes a floating lounge, two fire pits, kitchen, outdoor dining and a playscape.
“We’re anticipating strong interest from those who work in the nearby Royal Brisbane and
Women’s Hospital precinct and have children attending the nearby St Joseph’s College, Brisbane Grammar and Brisbane Girls’ Grammar School campuses.
“The hotel will offer a unique urban experience, putting guests just 5km from the CBD, minutes from the night life of Fortitude Valley and at the doorstep to local parklands, restaurants, cafes and retail.
“The cosmopolitan lifestyle and classic character of the area is echoed by the inclusion of a pool- side bar and restaurant, numerous shaded green spaces, conference facilities and a wellness centre for use by both residents and guests.
“We’re proud to be leading the renaissance of Spring Hill with a landmark project which sets the benchmark for those to follow under the new Spring Hill Neighbourhood Plan, which will guide the transformation of this area into a principle business, entertainment and tourism hub for Brisbane.”
Plans
Plans
Tell us what you think about this development below in the comment box. The development application for this project, available to view on Brisbane City Council’s Planning & Development Online is A005608964.
Nice design but for once I have to say that it is just far too tall for Gregory terrace.
There goes the neighbourhood.
Sorry, but what is Council thinking allowing this type of development along here?
That is an awful monstrosity. Not sensitive to the area at all.
What a shame. Seems totally out of character and scale. Obviously there are plenty of examples of inappropriate developments already in Spring Hill but can’t we learn from the past and preserve its remaining charm.
Awesome design, and I disagree with the other commenters. Spring Hill was always destined to be metropolitan, I’d say build even higher! This is inner city living, we need density if we are to stop relying on disgusting endless suburban masses that pollute and destroy the environment by how low density the housing is and how car-focused transport is.
The whole front of it is car park and driveway – really bad street-level activation
I think there are more pros than cons. I like that they’re bigger units, bringing some life to Spring Hill which can feel a little unsafe and dodgy. I do however think that vertical gardens can end up looking neglected, and the “Art Deco” style doesn’t seem to be reflected in the design all too much.
What a joke. Significant impact on residential amenity, urban design and character of the area, as well as the traffic it will cause. Looks like a monstrosity compared to the other buildings in the area. Will completely ruin Spring Hill if allowed to go ahead.
Well thank goodness I don’t live in or own Carrington. What an eyesore this building is! I live on Gregory Terrace and really Spring Hill is at maximum density already. The buildings are way too high for the suburb. Having ugly concrete walls does not make it “Art Deco”. And how is the effect of extra traffic to the area being considered.
Approval of such a monstrous oversized project is equivalent to flushing Spring Hill community values and expectations down the toilet.
The government aware of ppl’s need.That is why approve the project. Let the spring hill great again
That end of the Terrace would benefit from well-designed taller buildings.
It would be hard to imagine a worse monstrosity in one of Brisbane’s historic heritage districts. I hope people come out and oppose its construction.
The hotel plans show that it is as narrow as the width a single toilet room overlooking The Lady Gowry childhood centre – how terrible for this long running service – people in toilets overlooking a childcare centre – Think that through….. that should not be allowed.
I thinks the residences aesthetic is pleasing although it does overpower the historic beauty of Carrington. There is however a feeling of spaciousness that is so at the heart of Brisbane and sets it apart from other cities because it is on a road corner. It is ok but I am not a local.
The hotel is highly objectionable. It’s narrow high knife like appearance does not fit with Brisbane’s architecture . In the images the building encroaches on neighbouring areas there is no space at all between neighbouring buildings. It feels very like an Asian city where buildings are tightly packed. It is weird in a city where the skyline of the CBD reveals that we are a city that has something unique – SPACE. The combination of the hotel and the residences shuts in and closes down the space around Carrington and over whelps it because the hotel is so very close ? How can a building that tall be approved for such a narrow space.
The idea of a hotel is lovely but I would hope that the BCC would ask developers to reduce the height and rethink the narrow ends and toilets over childcare to make sure there is a feeling of space and openness – so that the hotel is lower than the residences and so there is space between neighbouring buildings so it doesn’t overwhelm the beautiful Carrington nor have toilets over looking a childcare centre. Lose a room at either dnd of the hotel and a level or 2