Prime Site: Laguna North Lakes to be a hipster haven in the suburbs

THE developers behind the acclaimed James Street precinct in Fortitude Valley are set to put their hipster stamp on a rapidly expanding ‘CBD’ north of Brisbane.

STREET APPEAL: 5000sq m of boutique shopping and dining laneways, 140-room hotel, tavern and function space, aquatic centre with lap and recreational pools, a six-storey office tower and public green space.

THE developers behind the ­acclaimed James Street precinct in Fortitude Valley will put their stamp on the rapidly expanding North Lakes CBD.

Billed as a $250 million investment, the precinct – to be known as ‘‘Laguna North Lakes’’ – is set to change the face of the already bustling North Lakes CBD, with 5000sq m of boutique shopping and dining laneways, 140-room hotel, tavern and function space, aquatic centre with lap and recreational pools, a six-storey office tower and public green space.

An artist's impression of one of Laguna North Lakes retail and hospitality laneways.

At Lot 81 on North Lakes Drive, Moreton Bay Regional Council Mayor Allan Sutherland said the joint project by Pointcorp and the George Group reinforced North Lakes’ growing retail reputation.

“North Lakes continues to go from strength to strength, attracting significant investment both locally and internationally,” he said.

The unconditional sale of the 1.72ha site was negotiated by JLL’s Sam Byrne and Christian Sandstrom.

The George Group’s Patrick George said North Lakes was a sensible choice for their next venture.

“We are heartened by the success of our well known precincts, James Street and Brickworks, and see North Lakes as a great opportunity to do something unique for this community,” he said.

“Through Laguna, we want to create a fresh and exciting oasis in the heart of the North Lakes CBD where people can gather, relax, and enjoy a range of offerings.

“With a major office tower, a 140-room hotel, and function and events centre, we’re also looking to create the perfect environment for businesses and conference organisers away from Brisbane’s CBD.”

“Through Laguna, we want to create a fresh and exciting oasis in the heart of the North Lakes CBD where people can gather, relax, and enjoy a range of offerings.” Picture: Kylie Knight