Strict height limits for new South Brisbane residential buildings

South Brisbane’s transformation will come with strict “green” building standards making it the city’s Brisbane’s most sustainable community. SEE THE MAP

Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner says strict “green” building standards are “a win for housing, a win for our environment and a win for the liveability of Brisbane”. Picture: John Gass

New residential buildings rising above existing height limits across South Brisbane will need to meet strict “green” building standards, with Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner saying the precinct would become Brisbane’s most sustainable community.

In March, Brisbane City Council announced it would allow CBD-style heights – 274m – in the Kurilpa precinct as part of its sustainable-growth strategy, with the change predicted to create 10,000 new homes.

“We are now proposing to take this a step further by requiring residential buildings that exceed existing height limits meet higher requirements of sustainability and deliver benefits to the wider community,” Cr Schrinner said.

Kurilpa is considered prime real estate for developers eager to capitalise on prized brownfield sites. Picture: Supplied

Under the Kurilpa Sustainable Growth Precinct Plan, buildings above existing height limits would be required to meet the Green Building Council of Australia’s five-star Green Star rating category, along with incorporating greater greenery through the introduction of a higher green plot ratio, and invest in public art and creative lighting.

Developers would also be required to include expansive green space, public realms, open spaces and pedestrian plazas, and require taller buildings to include other community benefits to improve housing diversity and affordability models such as build-to-rent and agreements with community housing providers.

The plan for South Brisbane's green precinct.

“This is a win for housing, a win for our environment and a win for the liveability of Brisbane,” Cr Schrinner said.

“That means our strategy won’t just help create more than 10,000 homes in this area, it will create a community of Brisbane’s most sustainable buildings, liveable neighbourhoods and new public destinations.

“More public realms, like those incorporated into West Village, as well as public facilities and art will make the Kurilpa precinct not just a great place to live but a fantastic destination for everyone to visit.

Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner says strict “green” building standards are “a win for housing, a win for our environment and a win for the liveability of Brisbane”. Picture: John Gass

“The steps we’re taking today to require building standards on new residential towers set a new benchmark that will help Brisbane become cleaner, greener and more sustainable in the future.”

The plan will become part of the existing city plan, with a local planning instrument to go to council next Tuesday.

“In the future, homes in the Kurilpa precinct will become some one of Brisbane’s most sought-after neighbourhoods properties as people will want to live in well-designed green buildings within the heart of our city,” Cr Schrinner said.

“By adding this new layer to our strategy to deliver new housing, we are ensuring it’s delivered in a thought-out and environmentally sustainable way.”