Plymouth Brethren sells Balmoral base to residential developer Skyhold

A controversial church has sold its Brisbane base to a residential developer who is planning a $130m-plus sustainable development on the $30m site in a sought-after suburb. See what’s planned and where the church is moving to.

Plans for a $130m-plus residential development that has been designed for sustainable subtropic living have been submitted for a site that has been the long-term home of a controversial religious group.

The 2.33ha site at 91 Lytton Rd, Balmoral, in Brisbane's inner eastern suburbs, has been the Brisbane base of the Plymouth Brethren Christian Church for decades.

Local developer Skyhold has the property under unconditional contract and will submit a development application to the Brisbane City Council.

The property was marketed by Knight Frank’s Blake Goddard who refused to comment but industry sources believe Skyhold will pay just under $30m for the site at settlement.

The Plymouth Brethren, which is linked to the Exclusive Brethren, has more than 5000 members in Brisbane and will move to a new place of worship at New Cleveland Rd, Tingalpa, which is currently under construction.

An aerial of 91 Lytton Rd, Balmoral.

Skyhold plans a mix of terraced homes and one-, two- and three-bedroom apartment-style residences on the site which is aimed at young families, professionals, downsizers and retirees whose options in the area are currently limited.

The proposal incorporates 14 two and three-storey terraced homes fronting Lytton Rd. Three apartment buildings (167 apartments) of four to six storeys will step towards the rear of the site, with the tallest set into a cliff, minimising impact on neighbours.

The buildings will occupy little more than a third of the site. An existing conservation zone with mature trees on the western portion of the site will be retained and enhanced, while heavily landscaped communal zones and vertical planting will transform the property.

Skyhold’s initial consultation with the local community regarding its plans generated a backlash from residents concerned over the additional traffic the development would bring.

An artist's impression of Skyhold's plans for 91 Lytton Rd, Balmoral.

Architect Fender Katsalidis said it has delivered a design for sustainable subtropical living incorporating natural materials and finishes with large windows and balconies.

Skyhold founder and managing director Zhen Chen said the development provided options for people to age in place and young families seeking a more affordable option than the existing detached houses in the area.

“Our focus has been delivering much needed housing in a leafy, green environment in a way that does justice to a 2ha site only 5km from CBD,” he said.

“This area has great amenity – schools, bus and ferry transport, parks and local retail.

“We are supplementing that with generous facilities for residents with work from home options, basement carparking, a gym and pools that will create a wonderful lifestyle, promoting social interaction and community living.

“This is the perfect place for much needed housing, with two street access and basement parking limiting local traffic impacts and the large sloping site allowing buildings that don’t impose on our neighbours.”