Project for flashy, new 36-unit tower in Wynnum’s iconic Edith St delayed again

A rundown street full of old shops in the heart of a rising bayside suburb could receive its biggest rejuvenation yet.

A long-awaited multimillion-dollar residential tower, which could revamp a rundown street in the heart of a booming bayside suburb, could still be years away.

The news comes after Urban Strategies, the town planners behind the eight-storey, 28-unit project at 63-65 Edith St in Wynnum, asked the Brisbane City Council for a two-year extension to start construction.

Featuring 20 two-bedroom units, eight three-bedroom units, which includes penthouse units, as well as retail space and rooftop communal space, the development from Rusty Canon Pty Ltd was initially approved in September, 2017.

The plans for a 28-unit, eight-storey complex on Edith St.

However, with the current approval set to expire in May 2022 developers requested a two-year extension on Tuesday.

“The property owner has a genuine intent to act upon the approval and acknowledges

that there is still approximately one year remaining within the currency period, however

given the scale of the project and associated time frames for detailed design and

construction, an extension is sought to provide certainty as the applicant enters detailed

design,” Georgina Roth from Urban Strategies said in the letter to council.

The old tenants of 63-65 Edith St, Wynnum.

“A two-year extension is considered a reasonable time frame to allow detailed design

and construction to occur whilst bringing the project in line with the expectations of the

current planning legislation.

“Hence is sought that the currency period of the approval be extended until 24 May 2024.”

Wynnum’s Edith St. Picture: Chris McCormack

The site, which used to be the home for the Wynnum Manly Loan Office and Subets Hairdressing, is currently used for commercial purposes with a single-storey commercial

building on each of the two lots.

The plans for a 28-unit, eight-storey complex on Edith St.

The building will be demolished before construction stars on the new tower.

Apart from the arrival of several new shops, including the popular Mates Restaurant, in recent years – Edith St has sat relatively untouched while Wynnum’s CBD has experienced a major rejuvenation and development boom.

General Manager of Wynnum Business, David Bateson on the Edith St in 2018, where the street was full of empty shopfronts. Picture: AAP Image/Richard Walker

Major projects such as the new Wynnum Cinema as well as new restaurant and bars have built the suburb’s reputation as one of Brisbane’s up and coming entertainment areas with a developer even having plans to turn Wynnum into an outdoor dining hub.