Private college development plans opposed by inner-city neighbours

One of Brisbane’s most prestigious schools has found itself in a stoush with its inner-city neighbours over a new development plan.

A mammoth development proposal from a prestigious inner-city Brisbane private college has rankled local residents, who claim the school expansion plans will exacerbate alleged noise and traffic issues in the area.

St Joseph’s College Gregory Terrace has applied for a Ministerial Infrastructure Designation, an alternative planning approval which sees applications approved directly by the state government planning Minister – Deputy Premier Steven Miles.

Rather than submitting detailed plans, an MID allows a “development envelop” over the land, meaning no further planning approvals are needed for the works.

But in a 116-page submission against the proposal, the Spring Hill Community Group has slammed the development.

Local resident Anthony Gamble told The Courier-Mail there were fears the proposal would give the school a “blank cheque” to develop the sites.

Impressions of Waterford Place II at St Joseph's College in Spring Hill. This building is a planned new Year 9 campus delivered in two stages: Stage 1 (5 storeys) would commence construction in 2022 for completion by the end of 2024.

“It is an absolute monster development, well over doubling the existing floor plan,” he said.

“The last two (developments) specified there would be no significant increase in student numbers, ... and that hasn’t been the case.”

Mr Gamble said along with the group’s submission, there had been at least 40 individual submission proposing the awarding of the MID.

Included in the proposal was an eight-storey development for 184 St Paul’s Terrace – an old Queensland Health site – which the school purchased in 2019, with construction due to begin next year.

Also included in the MID were plans for a five-storey STEM and indoor sport facility on the main campus, an extension to the existing administration building on Union Street, and a five-storey extension to the existing building on Quarry Street.

But under the MID proposal, these projects would not commence for at least ten years.

Impressions of Waterford Place II at St Joseph's College in Spring Hill.

Principal Michael Carroll said the College “strongly refutes” the comments made by the group that the school was using the MID route to bypass standard council regulations.

“We highly value our Spring Hill neighbours and are always willing to engage with them to ensure their ongoing enjoyment of the neighbourhood,” he said.

“The comments are unfortunately misinformed about the MID process and inaccurate in terms of the College’s plans.

The construction site at 184 St Paul's Terrace. Pic: Steve Pohlner

“The College has no student growth agenda and any foreseeable development plans at the College are for enhancement of existing teaching and learning facilities.”

“The MID application includes a range of projects, which could potentially be delivered over the next 10 to 25 years

A Department of State Development, Infrastructure, Local Government and Planning spokeswoman said the College’s application was currently under assessment, with “further technical information” currently being sought.

“Officers in the (department) are working with the applicant to address matters raised by submitters and other key issues,” she said.