A development application has been submitted by Woolworth’s development arm Fabcot for a large-scale mixed-use development at 60-78 Hudson Road and 19-33 Albion Road, Albion. The proposal outlines the construction of a two-tower built-to-rent residential project integrated with a small shopping centre. This development is proposed to occur over three stages, featuring two residential towers, ground-floor retail, and a public urban commons.
Designed by Cottee Parker Architects, the mixed-use development would include approximately 456 residential apartments across two towers. These towers, rising up to 20 storeys, would be set on a common podium, allowing for integrated retail spaces and a significant public realm. The proposal also includes a large ground-floor supermarket, pedestrian connectivity to the nearby Albion Train Station, and multiple recreational and communal spaces for both residents and visitors.
Pedestrian Connectivity
A focal point of the development is the urban commons, an open public space that will serve as a link between Hudson Road and the Albion Train Station. This area is designed to be a pedestrian-friendly zone, featuring landscaping, seating areas, and shaded walkways, making it a gathering place for residents and visitors alike.
The design includes a pedestrian bridge connecting to the Albion Station, enhancing accessibility and encouraging public transport use. “We wanted to ensure that this development fosters a strong connection between residential and commercial spaces while making the site more accessible for the broader Albion community,” the architects added.
Project rundown
| Development Parameter | Proposed Development |
|---|---|
| Address: | 60-78 Hudson Road, Albion |
| Development Type: | Mixed-Use (BTR Apartments and Shopping Centre) |
| Site Area: | 5,570m² |
| Gross Floor Area (GFA): | 4,228m² retail space |
| Height: | 20 storeys / approximately 82.5 metres |
| Apartments: | 1-bedroom apartments: 160 units 2-bedroom apartments: 228 units 3-bedroom apartments: 68 units 456 residential units in total |
| Elevators: | Tower 1 (x241 apartments): x3 elevators (lift-to-unit ratio of 1:80) Tower 2:(x215) x2 elevators (lift-to-unit ratio of 1:108) |
| Communal Space: | Public urban common on the podium plaza level with lap pool, outdoor recreation area with gardens, bookable community space, gym and wellness centre as well as a cafe |
| Retail: | The retail component of the development at 60-78 Hudson Road, Albion includes a gross floor area (GFA) of 4,228m². This space is primarily dedicated to a ground-floor supermarket and additional retail outlets. There are another six additional retail tenancies planned. |
| Car Parking: | 463 car parks (263 residential, 200 retail) |
| Bike Parking: | Included for both residents and visitors |
| Developer: | Fabcot |
| Architect: | Cottee Parker Architects |
| Landscape Design: | Dunn + Moran Landscape Architects |
| Town Planner: | Plan A Town Planning Pty Ltd |
| Sustainability: | Passive design elements, solar panels, rainwater harvesting for irrigation |
| Date Submitted: | September 2024 |
| Assessment Level | Code Assessable |
| DA Application Link | A006619616 |
According to Cottee Parker, the development aims to blend functionality and aesthetics, with a focus on creating a sustainable and community-oriented environment. “We have designed this development with the intention of maximising natural light, cross-ventilation, and greenery, both vertically and at the ground level,” the architectural team explained. “Our approach is centred on ensuring that the development feels connected to its surroundings while providing a unique living experience.”
Key architectural features include cascading planters on the towers. The rooftop terraces will offer landscaped terraces with BBQ areas and views of the Brisbane skyline and northern suburbs, while the podium level will house a supermarket, retail spaces, and wellness amenities.
Fabcot, the development arm of Woolworths Group, is responsible for delivering major retail and mixed-use projects across Australia. Notable developments include the expansion of Marrickville Metro in Sydney and the Woolworths Double Bay Village redevelopment. As part of Woolworths, Fabcot focuses on creating large-scale urban precincts that blend retail and residential spaces.
Fabcot, the development arm of Woolworths, was behind a significant mixed-use development proposal at Kangaroo Point, Brisbane. Initially approved in 2021, the project was set to include a 10-storey residential tower with 53 apartments above a Woolworths supermarket.
Following the acquisition of an additional 149sqm lot next door, Fabcot expanded the plans to a 17-storey tower featuring 130 apartments, a rooftop pool, gym, and more commercial space. Despite receiving council approval for the expanded design, Fabcot decided to list the site for sale and the Kangaroo Point supermarket is up in the air.
The Albion site has been subject to numerous proposals over the year and has sat vacant since an initial FKP transit oriented development known as the Albion Mill was proposed back in 2016.
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It’s about time this site is developed it’s been a long time coming we need the housing, convenience retail & community areas!
256 resident parking spaces for 460 apartments!!!
This is Qld…everyone has a car even if the majority of the apartments are bedsitter. I am sure the BCC will be fooled into believing it will lead to cheaper apartments as the cost of a carpark will not be there but what about the inconvenience to all the existing Albion residents who will now have to contend with an extra 200 cars parked throughout the neighbourhood. Also, the street parking along Hudson Rd will definately go or become 15m drop in parking so where will people who currently park there to use the train now go. Hopefully, BBC will make them put in an additional 250 carparks and it may be a better impact on the community. Better still, cut it down to 10 story to match the carparking spaces.
That future land bridge to connect to Albion station: here’s hoping Woolworths have negotiated with Qld Rail so that they’re all constructed at the same time. Otherwise that leaves Woolworths with a platform to nowhere and a potentially useless dead end if Qld Rail decide to change the future train station accessibility plans.
Also, the drawings show the residential pool RIGHT NEXT TO the train line: nothing like the sounds of the noisy city and the stares of gawking commuters whilst you work on your poolside tan.