The Fortezza Group reveal plans for $12m luxury residential project in Wynnum’s CBD

This tired shopping strip is about to undergo a giant $24m revamp, find out who is behind the project and the plans to turn it into a statement building.

A Brisbane developer has revealed $24 million plans to transform a bayside CBD site, which was initially set for a revamp more than four years ago, into a “statement building” for the waterfront suburb.

The Fortezza Group recently purchased the block at 63-65 Edith St, Wynnum from Rusty Canon Pty Ltd for $3.9 million just five months after the previous owners requested a two-year extension on a development application approved in 2017.

An eight-storey, 30-unit luxury residential complex with retail on the bottom floor – similar to The Fortezza Group’s first project in Wynnum in Alta Vista – is now scheduled to be built at the site by September, 2023.

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

Construction of the project will cost $12 million with the total cost of the development, including purchasing the land, believed to be up to $24 million.

The Fortezza Group’s business manager, Rachelle Atkinson, said they wanted to return to Wynnum for another project following Alta Vista to give the suburb what it deserves.

“I just decided that we definitely wanted to get back in Wynnum, we love Wynnum so we decided to take this job over and actually make it happen,” she said.

The Fortezza Group business manager Rachelle Atkinson.

“Obviously this site has been sitting there for a while and we wanted to ensure people knew we are getting this going.

“We think this will be an up-market, high-end, quality product and it will be a statement building that will stand out in Wynnum, we have no doubt about that.”

And while Wynnum’s recent development and retail boom has had local identities comparing the suburb to Bulimba, Ms Atkinson said he thought the ceiling was even higher for the area.

Edith Street, Wynnum. (AAP Image/Richard Walker)

“This building will take Wynnum to the level it should be, as people have said another Bulimba, but when I look at a place like Burleigh, I see no difference to Wynnum apart from the beach,” she said.

“That’s why this building will have that type of beachside Burleigh, Miami feel, it will reflect the current times, will be stylish and will hit the higher end market.

“It will drive more money into the Wynnum shopping area as well.

“We really love Wynnum and we intend on doing more in the area.”

The project is being modified to resubmit to the Brisbane City Council but once approved, construction is expected to start by April next year.