Maasra Apartments Coorparoo under fire after surrounding resident’s letter of complaint

Furious residents are demanding lighting be changed at a new luxury apartment complex in inner-south Brisbane, claiming it is an “eyesore” that constitutes as light pollution.

Maasra Apartments Coorparoo under fire after resident’s letter of complaint

A new luxury apartment complex in inner-south Brisbane that claims to be a “step above the rest”, has come under fire after nearby residents who have labelled the $101 million building an “eyesore”.

Residents surrounding the Maasra Apartments on Holdsworth Street at Coorparoo have written a joint statement to the owners and residents of the complex to express their concerns about the building’s constant beaming lights.

The 4000 sqm site is bounded by Old Cleveland Rd, Holdsworth St and St Leonards St.

“We speak on behalf of a vast majority of residents who are fed up with your building being lit up effectively all night,” the statement said.

“It is a blight on the landscape.”

Director Jason Karam claimed he had not previously received any complaints from nearby Coorparoo residents regarding the breezeway lighting on the southern side of the building.

“This is the first complaint of its kind,” Mr Karam said.

“The lighting throughout the building was designed by a reputable electrical consulting engineer in compliance with Section J of the National Construction Code.

“The breezeway lighting operates on motion detectors, which means the lights only activate when triggered by motion and these detectors are equipped with a timer, so the lights automatically turn off after a short period, ensuring they are not on 24 hours a day.”

Brothers Anthony and Jason Karam at the Maasra display office in Coorparoo. Picture: AAP/Renae Droop

The complex boasting 102 apartment units across eight storeys opened in May, 2023.

A Maasra Apartment spokesman said the complex “took sophisticated urban living to new heights”.

Owners of Old Cleveland Rd business Tilermade, the Karam family, decided to redevelop the site after a fire in 2008 destroyed the rear of the building.

Maasra’s range of 2, 3 and 4 bedroom apartments are priced from $435,000 to $1.7 million.

“This visually striking development delivers on all levels,” a Maasra spokesman said.

“Maasra Apartments Coorparoo is a step above the rest,” he said.

Residents said the constant lighting of the building was not only an example of visual light pollution but harmful to the environment.

“We understand some lighting is required for safety but the light being constantly on shows no regard for your neighbours and surrounding properties,” residents said.

“Many people who live at Coorparoo often travel to the nearby high points to view the city lights for events such as River Fire.

“Unfortunately your building being lit up like a shopping centre for the night ruins the vista,” they said.

Residents submitted that the Maasra Apartments should show some consideration and make a change to the lighting arrangements.