20-level towers coming to Stones Corner, 15 levels to Wynnum CBD
Two of the oldest suburbs in Brisbane, including the city’s de facto CBD, are set for a major transformation after council voted to approve new precinct plans.
Two of Brisbane’s oldest suburbs are set for their biggest shake-up in a century after council voted on precinct plans which will allow towers up to 20 stories.
Buildings as high as 20 levels would be permitted in Stones Corner, which at one point was the city’s de facto CBD before it fell into a long decline.
And the Wynnum “CBD’’ would get buildings up to 15 levels.
Council voted on suburb precinct plans for the two areas at its Tuesday meeting, sparking debate about traffic and parking impacts.
Independent Councillor Nicole Johnston also claimed that towers up to twice the new, allowable heights would inevitably be built.
But council’s LNP-dominated administration said the precinct plans were needed to house the influx of people moving to the city.
They would also unlock opportunities in the well-connected areas, which were close to transport, jobs and lifestyle opportunities.
The Stones Corner Suburban Renewal Precinct would now be sent to the State Government for final review after changes were made following public consultation.
The changes included better linkages to award-winning Hanlon Park, fronting Norman Creek, and better pedestrian access between streets.
About 20,000 sqm of commercial space would also be allowed.
The draft Wynnum Centre Suburban Renewal Precinct Plan was also approved at Tuesday’s meeting, with public consultation from October 7 to November 9.
Central Wynnum, around the train station, currently has buildings only up to about 10 levels although there were plans, still to be approved, for a higher multi-tower project near the railway line.
The draft plan allowed up to 15 storeys in key locations and 75,000 sqm of commercial space.
It could also involve making two streets one way and reconfiguring street parking to improve traffic flow.
Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner said with 600 people per week moving to Brisbane, the two precinct plans would help meet demand for more homes.
“This is about delivering more homes sooner in the right places that are close to transport, jobs and lifestyle opportunities, while protecting the character of our suburbs,’’ he said.
Deputy Mayor Fiona Cunningham, whose Coorparoo ward covered Stones Corner, said the area’s precinct plan would “unlock its potential’’.
“The process has sparked valuable conversations in our community including how we can revitalise and preserve Stones Corners’ rich heritage, culture, character and identity,” she said.
Wynnum Councillor Alex Givney said the community would get a chance to have a say in their area’s future.
