Work starting soon on Cielo’s latest suburb-changing project

A developer poised to change the face of two up-market eastside suburbs is due to begin work in April on his latest project, an ultra-luxury unit block atop a landmark hill. SEE THE PLANS

Aerial view of the Balmoral Hill site and (right) artist's impressions of the unit project.

A developer poised to change the face of two up-market eastside suburbs is due to begin work in April on his latest project, an ultra-luxury unit block atop landmark Balmoral Hill.

It comes after Cielo Group co-director Justin O’Donnell presses ahead with plans for a first of its kind, $15 million rooftop “beach club” at the entrance to neighbouring Bulimba’s famed Oxford St.

The six-unit hilltop project, designed by ZArchitects, would have sweeping 360 degree views from the level-five rooftop pool and terrace.

There would be six huge, four-bed units spread over three levels, with a 24-car basement carpark.

Council officers knocked back the proposal on the vacant 1200 sqm Main Ave block in March 2022, citing the lack of traditional character materials and design, a 3m-high retaining wall on the eastern side and insufficient setbacks.

They also said the five levels was well above local height limits and the 56 per cent site coverage was an over-development of the site.

How the building would look from the street.

How the building would look from the street.

But Cielo challenged the refusal in the Planning & Environment Court.

“Our proposal for six dwellings on Balmoral Hill, with 360 degree views including Brisbane City, Hamilton Reach, Moreton Bay and Mounts (sic) Coot-tha, Nebo and Glorious, has received approval through mediation with Brisbane City Council,’’ ZArchitects said at the time.

“It is a massive milestone for our team, to achieve an approval that was otherwise considered to be the unthinkable.’’

Town Planning Alliance (TPA) said in the development application (DA) documents that the project transitioned to surrounding houses and mainly appeared as three levels. It would be heavily landscaped.

TPA pointed out that some surrounding properties, such as 46 Main Ave, were modern and did not reflect traditional character.

Artist's impression of the 360 Riding Rd project.

Artist's impression of the 360 Riding Rd project.

Cielo was meanwhile forging ahead with plans for its residential and retail development at the old TAB site at 360 Riding Rd, at the roundabout at the eastern entrance to Oxford St.

The unit project would include a ground-level cafe and rooftop public bar with a pool and deck, pool bar, dining tables and amenities.

Locals have been split on the strikingly-designed project, also by ZArchitects, with some fearing impacts on already scarce street parks and heavy traffic.

Others said more development was needed to boost the suburb — or just liked the idea of eating out and having a drink at the rooftop bar and swimming pool.

Mr O’Donnell said last year he believed his $80 million investment in the area could turn it around after years of retailers battling lockdown, labour shortages, interest rate hikes and inflation.

Cielo would also start construction this year on a three-storey project at 187 Oxford St anchored by Harris Farm.

Popular eateries La Quinta Mexican and Amante Tapas & Vino were demolished to make way for the new project, as well as Riverbend Books which would move back into a bigger space in the new building.

L to R, Justin O'Donnell with Matthew Hackett. Picture: Steve Pohlner

Cielo last year extended the height of the building from 10.5m to 15.15m, adding rooftop dining.

The developments came as major works edged closer for the massive Bulimba Barracks riverfront urban renewal project at Apollo Rd, which also drew a mixed response from locals.

A nearby site sold last year by controversial church the Exclusive Brethren was also slated for a major unit project.

Developer Skyhold planned six levels and 188 units at the 91 Lytton Rd block, which neighbours said was 2.3 times the density at the Barracks.

At the other end of Oxford St, progress has been slow on a project next to the heritage 1880s Bulimba ferry terminal.

Originally put forward as a 12-room hotel and two levels of retail, it was then changed to a four-level office block.

Council knocked it back, saying it was too close to the river and the ferry terminal.

But in December 2020 the Planning & Environment Court dismissed an appeal by a neighbour.