Residents say a highrise aimed at multi-millionaires will tower over their suburb

RESIDENTS say a Kangaroo Point highrise aimed at multi-millionaires will tower over their suburb and is even higher than stated in council documents.

Resident Katharine Fresier outside Walan, a tower near a proposed controversial highrise at 11 Thornton St, Kangaroo Point. Picture: AAP/Richard Walker

FURIOUS Kangaroo Point residents say a proposed super luxury tower is even taller than stated on a development application because of its unusually large floor-to-ceiling heights.

The 18-storey tower, at 11 Thornton St, will have just one apartment per level, with each expected to fetch well in excess of the million-dollar mark.

The JGL Properties project was so large it proposed an overhang the tiny 733sq m site so it could meet the technical council setback rules.

Resident Katharine Fresier said the there should also be an 800sq m minimum size for a tower of that scale, under council rules.

“They’re planning a smaller podium at the base, then once you get up to the residential levels it overhangs, so the true setback is just 1m,’’ she said.

Ms Fresier said the nearby Walan highrise also greatly exceeded the height limit for Kangaroo Point and had an overhang to get around setback rules.

She said it was being used by JGL Properties as a precedent to try to gain council approval.

Cr Jonathan Sri (The Gabba) led a group of about 50 people who gathered last Tuesday to protest the development.

Katharine Fresier.

“The argument council has used previously when allowing a 16 storey building (Walan) in a 10-storey precinct was that there is a public interest because more highrise will increase housing affordability,’’ he said.

“This project will not do so because these are luxury highrise apartments that very few people will be able to afford.’’

Council planning chairman Julian Simmonds (Indooroopilly) said: “Council rejected the original proposal, for 19 storeys, and is currently assessing amended plans. “The plan also proposes preserving the existing heritage building and re-using it as a cafe and apartment.

“Council will thoroughly assess all potential impacts including traffic, heritage, parking, neighbouring properties and facilities.”

He said council was required by the State Government to accommodate 188,000 new dwellings by 2041. Kangaroo Point was an area considered appropriate for growth.

JGL Properties did not respond to requests for comment.

Cr Simmonds said parks and improved public access to the river were, meanwhile, being investigated as part of the draft Kangaroo Point Peninsula Renewal Strategy. Public submissions closed recently. “This renewal strategy outlines the long-term vision for the area and council wants to ensure the river areas are more accessible for recreational use,’’ he said.