Sultan of Brunei challenges Triguboff’s Brisbane skyscraper plan

Billionaire developer Harry Triguboff’s plan to dominate the Brisbane skyline with two new skyscrapers has met an unlikely challenge from the Sultan of Brunei.

After years of negotiations, Triguboff’s Meriton development arm has applied to build twin towers at 204 Alice Street, directly opposite the Botanic Gardens. The complex would include more than 1000 units.

One building would be 273.5 metres tall, making it among the biggest buildings in the city. The other would be 244 metres tall.

Two billionaires, the Sultan of Brunei and Harry Triguboff, clash over a Brisbane skyline development. Credit: Matt Davidson

If constructed, four of the six tallest buildings in Brisbane would be owned by Meriton.

Brisbane City Council was due to make a decision on the project within days, but the next-door Royal on the Park hotel – owned by the Sultan’s company Sejahtera One Pty Ltd – raised multiple concerns.

In a letter to council, the business also revealed its own redevelopment plans set to be lodged as soon as this year.

“[This] represents one of the most significant redevelopment precincts within the Brisbane CBD, likely on par with the Dexus waterfront redevelopment and potentially as large as the casino development on George Street,” the company said.

“Consideration should be given in this regard to ensure that the development of 204 Alice Street does not occur at the expense of development on our land.

“An integrated design approach to achieve the highest-quality design outcome should be a priority for council.”

The company said the Meriton design failed to effectively integrate with its surroundings. It requested the council reassess the proposal and draft a master plan for the wider area.

Harry Triguboff plans to build two Meriton towers on Alice Street, overlooking the botanic gardens.Credit: DBI

“It is our opinion the proposed development has not achieved a tower design that responds appropriately to the precinct … nor to the future development opportunities of our land,” the company said.

“Development of the scale proposed should be considered in conjunction with adjoining sites, not in isolation.

“By undertaking a broader design exercise, drawing in possible future design outcomes of adjoining sites for consideration, the tower design achieved would be of a higher quality and of a positive nature to the city.”

A representative for Triguboff said Meriton was unaware of the complaints. Jonathan Shaw from Sejahtera One Pty Ltd did not comment.

Royal on the Park, in Brisbane’s CBD. Credit: Marissa Calligeros/Brisbane Times

New transport connections would send the value of the rival sites – and their development potential – soaring. The Kangaroo Point bridge, due to open in December, and the under-construction Albert Street train station were both a block away.

A spokesperson for Brisbane City Council said a decision on the development application had not been made.

“The application at 204 Alice Street, Brisbane City, is currently being assessed by council’s independent planning offices. All submissions will be considered,” the spokesperson said.

“There are no development applications lodged for the Royal on the Park site in Brisbane City. Any future proposal would be assessed by council’s independent planning officers against the requirements of Brisbane City Plan and the State Government’s Planning Act.”

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