Design Change Proposed for Scape Student Highrise in South Brisbane

A development application has been lodged to change the design of a 15-storey student accommodation tower which was approved for 41-47 Tribune Street, South Brisbane back in September 2017.

Designed by Plus Architecture, the design change seeks to incorporate an additional four storeys in order to enable the delivery of 45 additional student accommodation beds in the building which would finally complete the South Brisbane student accommodation block of developments.

According to planners RPS Group, key aspects of the development that remain unchanged include:

• Approved uses – student accommodation, Shop, Office, Indoor Sport and Recreation, Food and Drink Outlet and Hotel
• Retention of the significant fig tree
• Ground level activation
• Laneway dedication and corner truncation
• Vehicle access locations
• Podium and tower built form

Proposed changes to the approved development include:

• Additional building height
• Minor adjustments to building setbacks and separation
• Consequential minor changes to site cover
• Improvements to the façade materials and finishes
• Refinement of floor layouts
• Adjustments to car parking layout

The merits of the proposal, outlined above, demonstrate that an additional four storeys in height (from the approved building height of 15 storeys) is warranted. The proposed scale of development is reasonably expected on this site by the community given the context of the site in relation to surrounding student accommodation buildings which exceed 12 storeys.

RPS Group

According to RPS Group, the approved 15 storeys is an underutilisation considering the site is well serviced by existing and planned infrastructure and has good access to employment and services.

Project rundown

• Site Area: 1100m2
• Height: 15-storeys / 70.7m AHD
• Studios & Rooms: x414 standard studios, x8 medium studios, x34 premium studios, x34 standard two bedroom studios. x524 beds in total across all levels
• Elevators: x3 elevators
• Retail: x4 retail spaces in total, varying in sizes
• Communal Space: Level 16 will accommodate a large rooftop communal terrace with sunset lawn, yoga deck, bbq areas and seating areas
• Car Parking: No resident car parking provided
• Bike Parking: x263
• Developer: Scape
• Architect: Plus Architecture
• Town Planner: RPS Group
• Sustainability: Recycling, natural ventilation, activated laneway, bicycle storage and landscaping throughout
• Date Submitted: 30/10/2023

Two semi-basement level retail tenancies are provided on the building’s corner while a small 18m2 coffee tenancy is provided on the laneway level. A large 126m2 ‘tree top bar’ is also planned near the large fig tree on the laneway level.

On the lower podium level, a connection link is proposed to the neighbouring Scape’s communal area which would expand the two buildings communal areas on this level. On this level, an internal 34m2 biophilic zen room is proposed with a skylight above.

Level 16 will accommodate a large rooftop communal terrace with sunset lawn, yoga deck, bbq areas and seating areas.

In Brisbane, Scape currently have six operational buildings comprising 4,000 bedrooms located in the South Bank and Toowong precincts. Scape’s Brisbane portfolio is currently full, and Scape are continuing to receive enquiries on a daily basis.

Scape is proactively seeking to assist in alleviating the supply pressure currently being faced by students (and renters in general) by fast-tracking the planning and development process of the existing pipeline projects.

The subject site on Tribune Street sits adjacent to one of Scape’s existing operating buildings in South Bank and is considered a key site to alleviating some of the housing supply pressing in Brisbane.

Of note, increasing student accommodation may assist in freeing up private rental accommodation currently being used by students. The proposed additional four storeys facilitate an extra 45 beds, from 479 beds to 524 beds.

Plans

Plans

 

Development application link