Traders in Purple rethink plans for old Palace Hotel site at Woody Point

It was once home to the pub the Bee Gees first played at — a developer now hopes to incorporate another Aussie icon into its new plans for the waterside location north of Brisbane.

Traders in Purple hope to incorporate a replica of the HMQS Gayundah in their residential development at Woody Point

Queensland based developer Traders in Purple have submitted a reworked concept for its proposed 15 storey residential development at Woody Point, north of Brisbane.

The site was once home to the Palace Hotel, where the Bee Gees famously played their first paid gig, before it was knocked down in 2013.

$1 A WEEK FOR THE FIRST 8 WEEKS. Min. cost $4

Traders in Purple director Charlie Daoud said they hope to incorporate a replica of the HMQS Gayundah shipwreck as part of the new design.

He said they were currently in talks with Moreton Bay Regional Council and the Gayundah Preservation Society regarding securing part of the wreck, which is due to be removed due to safety concerns, for the replica.

Traders in Purple hope to include a replica of the HMQS Gayundah at the Gayundah Esplanade unit development.

Mr Daoud said the HMQS Gayundah, symbolised a key part of the local history.

“Our revised submission ensures the replica will be positioned on a prominent corner of the site (Lilla St and Gayundah Esplanade) and will be incorporated into the landscape design alongside the restaurant,” Mr Daoud said.

Concept images of Traders in Purple’s latest development application for Gayundah Esplanade Woody Point. IMAGE: Rothelowman

“We’re excited to deliver this landmark feature in consultation with the Gayundah Preservation Society Inc. as it’s important to pay tribute to the warship in the local area.”

The resubmission also proposes to reduce the number of apartments to 158, 16 less than the existing approval.

These changes will result in development being just three storeys instead of eight storeys for Kate Street and parts of Lilla Street providing an improved interface to existing adjacent properties.

The HMQS Gayundah at Woody Point. Photo AAP /Ric Frearson

“While proposed increases in density and height have been proposed for the Gayundah Esplanade corner, these changes have no impact on privacy or overshadow on the surrounding neighbours and the number of levels have been reduced significantly in the areas where residents would have seen the most impact,” Mr Daoud said.

“Overall it is a much-improved urban design outcome.

Traders in Purple will hold a community information session at The Belvedere Hotel, in the Seaspray Room from 6-8pm on October 9.

Pending approval Mr Daoud said he hoped construction would begin within the next 12 months.

Trader in Purple have built several other major developments on the Redcliffe Peninsula including The Sebel Brisbane Margate Beach, Bathers Beachside and Vave Scarborough.