Delays in Brisbane Metro project, COVID-19 reason for request to extend residential high-rise DA

Developer banks on Brisbane Metro project, but vexed disputes and COVID-19 crash means plans on hold for now.

The existing 10-storey, 70 unit residential high-rise at the Centrus Park complex in Eight Mile Plains. Picture: Alex Treacy

GOVERNMENT squabbling over Brisbane City Council’s flagship Brisbane Metro project and COVID-19 uncertainty have led to a delay of at least a further two years for a planned high-rise residential tower in Brisbane’s outer south.

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The Centrus Park complex at 54 Slobodian Ave, Eight Mile Plains, less than 200m from the major busway which will form the start of one of the two new lines created by the Metro project, was originally planned to contain at least two and possibly three high-rise residential blocks.

The Centrus Park development at 54 Slobodian Ave, Eight Mile Plains. Picture: Google Maps

The first 10-storey high-rise, containing 70 units, was completed in 2016 and is about 90 per cent sold, according to exclusive seller LJ Hooker Sunnybank Hills.

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However, the second 10-storey high-rise on the adjoining lot, which was originally approved by council on October 31, 2014, and extended on August 2, 2018, has been delayed again after a further two-year extension was requested by Wolter Consulting Group on Kinstone Development’s behalf.

“As a direct result of the impact of the COVID-19 virus on the residential sales market, and more broadly the Queensland and Australia economy, the application will require a further two years in order to ensure that when built, the development will have acceptable sales to make the development financially viable and not result in a development that is untenanted,” the application states.

“Additionally, with the Brisbane Metro now not expecting to be completed until 2023, as an

important element in Brisbane’s transport network, it will provide significant improvement to

travel times and accessibility for the future residents of this development.

“It is therefore important that this development delay sales and construction until a time when the Metro’s delivery is assured, and residents can access this improved network at a time not too distant from project completion.”

Wolter’s director of planning Brad Jones said Centrus Park sales were also impacted by the oversupply of residential units which occurred in Brisbane in 2017.

The Brisbane Metro project is a key selling point for the Centrus Park residential development at 54 Slobodian Ave Eight Mile Plains. Picture: Alex Treacy

However, he said the “more relevant” factor is the delay in the Brisbane Metro project, which was originally forecast to be complete by 2022 but has now been pushed out to 2023.

Even that timeline is looking shaky, with council and the State Government failing to resolve disputes over funding and the location of a new Cultural Centre Metro station, despite having more than 200 meetings on the issue.

This led to Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner’s refusal to guarantee services will be running by 2023 as he accused the State of withholding $10 million pledged by the Federal Government.

Mr Jones said the developers would wait and see how sales went with the second residential high-rise before lodging a DA on the vacant third lot.

LJ Hooker Sunnybank Hills’ Head of Special Projects Alex Stevenson agreed that the Metro delay had been a “factor” in Centrus Park sales, although noted the existing Eight Mile Plains bus station provided extensive travel options which residents, a mix of owner-occupiers and investors, were taking advantage of.

Kinstone Developments has been contacted for comment.

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