New plan to turn old paint factory into unit complex

A plan to convert a factory in Brisbane’s south into a unit development has reared its head again, with residents fearing it would see the area’s family-friendly feel disappear.

The Yeronga District Residents Association is concerned about new plans to transform the former Taubmans factory site. Former Yeronga District Residents Association leaders Rob Gilshenan and Susanne Cooper, at the site in 2015, oppose the new plan as well. Picture: Chris McCormack

A CONTROVERSIAL plan to convert the old Taubmans paint factory site at Yeronga into a unit development has reared its head once again.

But residents are even more angry three years after the first proposal, with the new Hyde Road Pty Ltd plan’s density far greater and plans for buildings up to five storeys, Councillor Nicole Johnston (Tennyson) said.

Cr Nicole Johnston says residents value the area’s low density, family friendly feel. Picture: File photo/AAP/ Ric Frearson

Residents have told me clearly that what they value about Yeronga is the low density, family friendly feel of Yeronga West,’’ Cr Johnston said.

“I do not support a change of zoning until an independent, community driven, Council-led, neighbourhood plan has been undertaken.

“The new proposal is seeking a preliminary approval to override City Plan to rezone the site to a combination of low-to-medium and medium density residential.

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“The proposal does not include details of any future buildings to be built on the site.’’

But a nearby retirement village on a smaller site includes five buildings from three to seven storeys high.

In contrast, if the old paint factory site was had been rezoned as low density residential it would have contained only about 75 house lots, possibly even fewer because land next to the soccer club was subject to flooding.

The Yeronga District Residents Association said they had concerns with the scale of the first proposal, at 115 Hyde Rd, in 2015 and still shared those concerns.

Leonard Ipson has lived in Yeronga for many years and is concerned about the proposed development for the former paint factory at Hyde Rd, Yeronga. Picture: Renae Droop

“The view of the community was, and remains, that once one development application was approved then a precedent would be set leading to the rapid redevelopment of the entire Hyde Rd industrial precinct,’’ YDRA member Ian Callow wrote in his submission to Council.

“We note that Council has indicated a strong commitment for the retention of the

Strategic Inner City Industrial Areas which includes the Hyde Road area.

“If Council are considering a change in direction then we urge Council to allocate the necessary budget and staff resources to complete a neighbourhood planning process to ensure any rezoning properly considers community needs.’’

Mr Callow said the area needed to be retained as a green space for the city and for its flood mitigation role.

The riding for the disabled facility also should be retained.

Cr Johnston said the unit market in Yeronga was already well supplied, with major developments in the pipeline including Yeerongpilly Green and the old Yeronga TAFE site.

The plans can be viewed on Council’s website https://pdonline.brisbane.qld.gov.au.

The code to search for is A005054853.

Residents can also email Cr Johnston at [e-mail] and her office will forward their submissions to Council.