More than $2bn worth of projects from major developers revitalises Woolloongabba
In 10 years this inner-south Brisbane suburb has become a high-rise hot spot. See the people and projects behind its transformation.
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Rewind almost a decade ago and this inner-South Brisbane suburb was an untapped goldmine with little to no change.
But now, filled with flashy high-rise apartment complexes, five-star hotels and many other landmark projects on the way – Woolloongabba has changed forever.
The suburb, which has always been known for the world famous sports arena, The Gabba, has quickly become arguably Brisbane’s fastest growing area with limitless potential, thanks to more than $2 billion worth of developments since 2014.
Headlined by projects such as the $1 billion three-tower Silk One complex, the $700 million South City Square as well as luxury high-rise residential complexes such as The Drapery and Trafalgar Lane – Woolloongabba has become a hotspot for big-time developers.
The Queensland Government has also invested in the suburb’s transformation through the long-awaited Cross River Rail.
We took a look at the developers and their projects responsible for Woolloongabba’s rejuvenation.
SOUTHLAKE GROUP & SARAZIN, INVESTMENT: $1 BILLION
Project: Silk One
Silk One is a three-tower luxury high-rise residential development featuring 520 units as well as a rooftop ‘skystand’ which will overlook one of the world’s most famous sports grounds in The Gabba. The first tower of the project is scheduled to finish by the end of this year after construction started in September, 2020.
But the project reportedly stalled last year after financial backers pulled out due to COVID-19 only to be saved because of the Federal Government’s $25,000 HomeBuilder Grant, which led to almost 30 apartment sales in 45 days.
The sales allowed developing partners the Southlake Group and Sarazin to secure new finance for the project.
Silk One, a collection of one, two and three-bedroom unites, will also feature a retail precinct, which they believe will reshape Stanely St with the complexes to also include a pool, spa, entertaining areas, gym and more.
PELLICANO & PERRI PROJECTS, INVESTMENT: $782 MILLION
Project: South City Square, Cost: $700 million
– South City Square is a residential and retail project by both Perri Projects and Pellicano.
The development, which already has three residential towers including 400 units complete, will feature five high-rise residential towers and a luxury Hyatt hotel once all five stages of the project are finished.
Stage four of the South City Square is currently under construction with the focal point of the project, the Central Square, along with a five-level basement delivered together with a large retail space, which will include a Woolworths Supermarket and Reading Cinemas.
“South City Square was designed to offer a variety of enviable residential, retail and commercial offerings, further defining Woolloongabba as a residential community, shopping destination and place for meeting, socialising and entertainment,” Pellicano Living managing director, Nando Pellicano, said.
Project: Trafalgar Lane & Residences, Cost: $82 million (Pellicano only)
– Set against the backdrop of the iconic Gabba stadium, Trafalgar Lane is a 20-storey luxury apartment complex, which helped start the trend of high-rise developments coming to the revitalised suburb.
Featuring 147 architecturally designed one, two and three-bedroom units, the complex also includes a Members’ Retreat with rooftop garden, recreation area with pool and spa, gym, yoga lawn, barbecue area and media room.
It also holds 2000 sqm of retail and NY warehouse style commercial space and was completed in 2016.
BEHIND THE DEVELOPERS
With almost 100 years between them, developers Pellicano and Perri Projects have well and truly helped shape the new Woolloongabba.
The companies have both combined to create one of the biggest residential projects Brisbane has seen in the $700 million South City Square on Logan Rd with Pellicano also responsible for Trafalgar Lane – an $82 million high-rise apartment complex overlooking The Gabba.
Pellicano is a Brisbane-based award-winning company with more than 50 years experience in
in the design, construction, development and management of residential, retail, commercial, industrial and hospitality projects.
The company, which has grown from a family-owned bricklaying business, has since completed $3.7 billion worth of developments and currently owns and manages more than 170 properties.
While Perri Projects, based in Melbourne, is an award-winning development group known for building complex and innovative multi-use projects in prime urban locations across Australia.
“Woolloongabba is a vibrant growth corridor supported by an abundance of transportation options. The easy access to the city, major universities and hospitals makes it one of the most highly desired suburbs of Brisbane,” Pellicano Living managing director Nando Pellicano.
Mr Pellicano said he expected Woolloongabba’s transformation to continue and reach new heights in the coming years.
“We expect continued annual population growth driven by the convenient lifestyle and premium residential options such as at SCS, increased retail amenity and enhanced transport efficiencies (Woolloongabba Cross River Rail station).”
ARIA LIVING, INVESTMENT $215 MILLION
Project: Eden Lane Master Plan, Cost: $115 million
– The Eden Lane Master Plan project from Aria Living was a four-building development featuring 214 apartments situated in central Woolloongabba.
The buildings – Ivy Terrace (six storeys, 58 apartments), Eden Lane (six storeys, 56 apartments), Akira (nine storeys, 49 apartments) and Lexington (nine storeys, 51 apartments) – are the culmination of four boutique residential developments each featuring their own contemporary architectural style and communal amenities.
Construction on the project started in 2014 and finished in 2017.
“Four buildings were part of our Eden Lane Master-Planned project comprising four stages adjoining Hubert and Gibbon Street and bisected by a new laneway called Eden Lane,” Aria Living development director, Michael Hurley, said.
“The buildings are activated by quality retail, lush landscaping and the residential towers
“We have seen Eden Lane project enhance the area by activating the public realm and improving connectivity with a new laneway and providing quality retail.”
Project: The Drapery, Cost: $100 million
– The Drapery is one of Brisbane’s most unique residential developments with its curvaceous design standing out in the skyline of Woolloongabba.
The 18-storey luxury high-rise residential development features 168 apartments as well as amenities such as a flashy rooftop, including an infinity pool, as well as a dining entertainment area, theatre and gym.
Another residential project situated in the backdrop of The Gabba sports stadium, The Drapery also includes retail space on the ground floor with a restaurant, wine bar, yoga studio and barber shop.
The Drapery was completed in 2018.
“Our fifth project was called The Drapery, standing proud in the old drapery precinct of Woolloongabba, reflecting the heritage and history of the name,” Mr Hurley said.
BEHIND THE DEVELOPERS
Between 2014 and 2018, Aria has delivered five residential developments which have helped shape Woolloongabba’s recent rise.
With more than 350 apartments totalling more than $200 million in project values in the suburb, Mr Hurley said Aria saw Woolloongabba as a perfect place to invest in.
“We had been studying the area for many years before undertaking our first project,” he said.
“We were attracted by the zoning, proximity to the CBD and long term potential.
“Woolloongabba also benefits from an eclectic and quality dining precinct and ultimately will be defined by the coming of Cross River Rail in the near future.
“Other developers have recognised the potential and we are seeing new developments and retailers opening great venues. We always advocate for high quality architecture that can transform the skyline and, in the case of Woolloongabba complement the existing character of the area.”
Aria Property Group is a privately-owned property development company, which is responsible for high-quality projects across Australia, since it started in 2003.
Aria Property has won many industry awards including Best Residential Development in Australia over the last three consecutive years.
Mr Hurley said he expected Woolloongabba’s rise to continue in the near future.
“Woolloongabba is similar to South Brisbane in that historically it was mainly commercial and industrial,” he said.
“However due to being so close to the CBD, enjoying great amenity and accessibility to the M1 and Gold Coast, Woolloongabba is bound to gentrify with the Cross River Rail project, Gabba upgrades and residential influx as people begin to see value and convenience.”
OTHER WOOLLOONGABBA PROJECTS
– Carl Residences, 12-storeys, 87 units, Cost: Unknown (currently under construction)
– Carl Street Units, 12-storeys, 56 units, Cost: $17 million (currently under construction)
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