Crown Group’s apartment development in West End is gearing up its marketing push and plans construction to start next year

An “urban resort” apartment project on Brisbane’s inner city which has sparked local opposition has been reshaped and is looking at a construction schedule.

A MAJOR West End development that has been reshaped after a barrage of criticism is targeting the launch of a marketing campaign later this year with construction potentially to start in the second half of 2020.

In December Brisbane City Council granted approval to the project after developers Crown Group modified initial plans for the yet unnamed 462 luxury apartment development on a 1.25ha site at 117 Victoria St.

Opponents of the $350 million “urban resort” claimed the initial 14-storey height of the apartment towers were above the 12-storey height limit for the area, there was not enough space between buildings and there was a lack of infrastructure to cope with the influx of residents.

An artists’ impression of Crown Group's original development at 117 Victoria St, West End.

However, in consultation with designers, council and stakeholders Crown Group development director Michael Romano said plans for the original U-shaped form of the project were changed into four code assessable 12-storey buildings which include podiums.

“Changing the form allowed us to create bigger gaps between the buildings,” he said.

“We also looked at ways to soften the form with landscape features and we have improved the interface with the walkway and river with public dedicated land.

“Part of the feedback we got was to create more diversity and we won’t be just offering tower one, two, three and four-bedroom luxury apartments but also townhouses as well.”

Crown Group is providing 1800sq m of green space, including 400sq m of the riverside where it will also seek to build a small cafe.

Sydney-based Crown Group has banked on the resurgence of the apartment market by acquiring a large West End site

Sydney-based Crown Group’s first Queensland development will be an ‘urban resort’ in Brisbane’s West End

Mr Romano said market research indicated the Brisbane apartment market was improving.

“Conditions are getting better in Brisbane and we’re targeting to the third quarter of this year to start marketing and construction could be possible in the third quarter of next year,” he said.

The development will include Crown’s signature resort-style facilities including a 25m pool, cabana and poolside lounges, barbecue facilities, gym, community room and plenty of breakout spaces for yoga and relaxation.

There will also be a common area for residents to enjoy a rooftop spa and water feature.