Only way is up for inner-city Brisbane suburb

HIGH-RISE buildings up to 20 storeys will be allowed in parts of Kangaroo Point under a draft neighbourhood plan which envisages the population of the area will nearly double.

The Kangaroo Point skyline is about to change. Picture: Liam Kidston

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HIGHRISES up to 20 storeys will be allowed in parts of Kangaroo Point under a draft neighbourhood plan which envisages the population of the area will nearly double.

Brisbane City Council will debate the plan on Tuesday.

It said the area, which currently has height limits ranging from three to 15 storeys, was “ideal’’ for high-density development.

Although a Council press release sent out this afternoon talked only about 15 storeys, the actual draft plan mentions 20 levels would be allowed on sites at least 1200sq m in size in the “Dockside core sub-precinct’’.

However, development would be restricted under and near the Story Bridge to preserve views of the iconic structure and community uses would be encouraged under the bridge on space currently not being used.

There would also be provision for a retail strip along Main St, with more cafes and shops to create new leisure and lifestyle opportunities for residents.

City Planning Chairman, Councillor Julian Simmonds, said the new plan would help guide the future of the Kangaroo Point peninsula.

Cr Julian Simmonds. Picture: Tara Croser

“Kangaroo Point is already a great place to live work and relax, and Council is committed to planning for the future to ensure that our suburbs remain vibrant and liveable,” Cr Simmonds said.

“With a growing number of people choosing to take advantage of living in Kangaroo Point with easy access to the CBD, Council envisages the suburb population will nearly double, with an additional 4200 residents living on the peninsula.

“The Queensland Government’s Regional Plan has identified that Brisbane will need an additional 188,000 homes to accommodate the city’s growing population.

“Council believes that the high-density suburb of Kangaroo Point is an ideal location for unit development of up to 15 storeys in many areas, allowing more of Brisbane’s middle and outer suburbs to retain their character.”

Cr Simmonds said that as part of the plan, Council was proposing to create a shopping strip along Main Street, with more cafes and shops to create new leisure and lifestyle opportunities for local residents.

“Council has also proposed restrictions to future development under and around the Story Bridge, to protect views of the iconic structure,” he said.

Cr Simmonds said that the new neighbourhood plan was an important step in refreshing the current plan, which was close to 30 years old and significantly out of step with community expectations for the inner-city suburb.

Residents will be invited to provide feedback on the Kangaroo Point Peninsula Neighbourhood Plan in coming months, following approval from the State Government.