People power puts stop to high-rise development in Sandgate

Part of a Brisbane City Council proposal to grow this northern suburb has been scrapped after resident push back against the re-zoning to allow for six-storey buildings along a major road.

People power has prevailed in Sandgate where a Brisbane City Council plan to allow for the development of six-storey buildings on Brighton Rd has this week been scrapped.

The draft strategy for the neighbourhood of Sandgate, released for community consultation in October 2019, identified the need to allow higher building heights in both commercial and residential zones.

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Council planners suggested the change would encourage greater developer interest and attract new businesses.

In particular, commercial spaces on the ground floor would “activate the street” and “provide opportunities for commercial space above”, which would address the community’s stated desire for more local job opportunities and retail experiences.

Proposed plans for the development of the neighbourhood of Sandgate.

Sandgate residents, however, were none-too-thrilled with the plan.

According to City Planning and Economic Development Chair Krista Adams, further community consultation revealed residents were adamantly against increasing the capped building height in the Sandgate centre from four to six storeys.

SCRAPPED: The BCC draft strategy proposed a significant increase in building height to allow for more retail and commercial spaces. The plan was scrapped after community push back.

“It’s clear residents want a future that looks familiar, but also a future that is stronger and has services and infrastructure to meet the needs of future generations,” Cr Adams said.

“These northeastern bayside suburbs have so much history and character, and the update to the existing Neighbourhood Plan is to guide future development to ensure the look and feel of the area remains now and into the future.

The pale pink and blue areas show where BCC proposed an increase in building height to accommodate the community's desire for more local job opportunities and retail spaces.

“The proposed plan would increase character and heritage protection while supporting a district centre which creates more housing choice and employment opportunities on the public transport corridor.”

The proposed changes were made to the draft strategy this week, ahead of its second release for community consultation in early 2021.

Additional changes proposed by the draft plan include:

• Strengthening protection for neighbourhood character and character housing
• Increase public recreation activity along Brighton Rd edge of Einbunpin Lagoon, promoting a vibrant centre
• Develop Third Ave into a pedestrian and cycle-friendly street, potentially including wider footpaths and a low speed vehicular environment
• Support for potential re-use of the existing fish co-operative building as an eco-centre or fresh seafood market
• Greater support for small scale tourism operators such as guided canoe trail, or dolphin or whale watching cruises
• Improved connections from Moreton Bay cycleway and Tourist Dr