Olympic gridlock? Concern at huge new projects near Gabba venue

Relentless highrise development at a key Gabba precinct could choke the area with traffic, opponents fear. But a Singaporean property giant begs to differ.

One of Brisbane’s worst traffic hot spots will become even more dysfunctional ahead of the 2032 Olympic Games if two development sites are approved for highrise towers, locals fear.

A key 1.28ha site on Ipswich Rd, Woolloongabba, billed as one of the largest privately-owned parcels of land in the inner city, has just hit the market with expressions of interest closing on June 9.

Agents spruiked its potential for highrise up to 15 storeys, with one ad gushing about the “exceptional future development opportunities in the area surrounding the 2032 Olympics’’.

Aerial view of the site up for sale.

Meanwhile, Singaporean property giant Wee Hur has asked for more time to respond to State Government concerns about aspects of a development application (DA) it lodged last year over a nearby Stones Corner site.

The DA was for two commercial and aged care mediumrise towers, plus two residential highrises which were 14 storeys higher than the neighbourhood plan allowed.

Local state Greens MP Amy MacMahon said the proposal, if approved, would add 600 car spaces to an area already gridlocked during peak hour and on game days at The Gabba.

But planners Urbis said in the DA that the proposal would enhance the area for residents and dovetail with Council’s outstanding Hanlon Park revitalisation project, as well as the State Government’s Buranda train station upgrade.

It was also near Buranda State School, a busway and other infrastructure.

Artist's impression of the proposed building. Image: Woods Bagot

“The proposal represents a contemporary mixed used, transit-oriented development (TOD) that provides commercial activation and housing diversity,’’ Urbis wrote.

“By delivering high-quality housing, in tandem with an inclusive and accessible public plaza, the precinct creates a vibrant centre that renews the area,’’ it said.

“The site’s location (near public transport, parks) make it a logical point for significant urban renewal.

“It is unlikely that there is any other site within Brisbane (with) the opportunity to host such a transformative development.’’

Artist's impression of the proposed building. Image: Woods Bagot

Wee Hur has developed a number of towers in the area, but a highrise planned for next to Buranda State School was effectively blocked by the State Government two years ago after intervention by former Treasurer and local Labor MP Jackie Trad.

This time, Wee Hur is proposing a 28-level highrise on the corner of Logan Rd and O’Keefe St, with 287 apartments and a 26-storey student accommodation tower.

A seven-level residential care facility building was planned for the northern part of the site, with 130 beds, plus a seven-storey mixed-use commercial tower fronting Logan Rd.

The State Assessment and Referral Agency (SARA) has written to Wee Hur with concerns about potential safety and structural impacts on a nearby busway tunnel.

The Hanlon Park upgrade and facilities near the proposed Wee Hur project.

Urbis has asked for an extnesion on a deadline to respond, until June 30.

Ms MacMahon said Wee Hur would not be required to upgrade Stones Corner roundabout despite standing to make millions.

“It is proposing four towers with more than 600 private car parks right next to the roundabout, which is already a nightmare to navigate,’’ she said.

“The developers identified the need for the upgrade themselves in their self-funded traffic impact planning, but so far have indicated an unwillingness to pay for the necessary upgrade.’’

She has written to local Councillor, Fiona Cunningham, and Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner asking them not to approve the project without an upgrade to the roundabout.

Amy MacMahon.

Ms MacMahon also called for more social and affordable housing, end-of-trip facilities in the office component, and better walking connections to public transport nodes.

“The site is within walking distance of essential services like doctors, dentists, supermarkets, and hairdressers and is a prime location for public housing.”

More details on Council’s online DA portal developmenti. Search for application 005806443