Brisbane highrise saga could take 18 years to end

A developer has four more years to build a highrise above an iconic Brisbane cinema first mooted for a makeover in 2007.

Council has extended a development application for a 20-level unit and commercial project on the site of the El Dorado Cinema in Indooroopilly. Picture: John Wilson

Plans to build a highrise above the landmark Eldorado Cinema in Brisbane’s inner west could drag on until 2024 after Brisbane City Council gave the owner another four years to start work.

The Indooroopilly cinema was first approved for a 76-unit tower in 2007, to be completed in 2010.

But after that plan fell over Council approved a 14-storey version in 2013.

After years of delay, a new 20-level tower including units, cinema, bowling alley and nightclub was due to go ahead.

The stage 1 deadline for that development application was due to have ended late last year, but Council has now extended the deadline to 2025.

It comes after owner and United Cinemas boss Sam Mustaca announced plans to build 15 Hollywood-themed Wahlburgers restaurants in Australia, including one near the Eldorado.

Megastar Mark Wahlberg will come to Australia later in the year to launch the venture.

Town planners behind the 20-level highrise blamed COVID-19 for delays in the two-stage tower project.

Artist's impression of how the Eldorado Cinema project could look.

“The reason for the delay in the stage 1 program of works is because of unforeseen changes in the market conditions for development of this scale and nature, which has been compounded by the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic,’’ they said.

“Market conditions for this type and style of unit of development and the entertainment sectors in general have experienced a downturn since the approval in September 29, 2016.

“The COVID-19 pandemic has caused a significant impact on confidence in construction projects of this scale because of the required funding and the uncertainty of the trading conditions for the entertainment and retail business, as well as significantly reduced demand for residential units.’’

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Stage 1 has now been extended to February 20, 2024, and the new deadline for stage 2 is September 20, 2025.

The bold remake would see busy Coonan St recrafted to better connect with buses and nearby Indooroopilly train station.

The planners said in their extension application to Council that the original reasons for approval were unchanged.

Although approved under City Plan 2000, the project has taken so long it now falls under City Plan 2014.

If it does go ahead, it will be impact assessable which means the public will be notified and can take legal action.

“It is considered the proposal presents as orderly development and remains within the reasonable expectations for development on the site under City Plan 2014, despite being approved under City Plan 2000,’’ the planners said.

“Therefore the original justifications for Council’s decision are considered to remain valid.’’

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The proposal is one storey higher than the neighbourhood plan allows and exceeds site cover.

But the planners claimed the design reduced the visual bulk and the 801 car parks were sufficient as it was “connected’’ to buses and trains.

The nightclub would be sited away from houses and any increase in traffic was consistent with increased density under the neighbourhood plan.

“It is recognised that the approved development offers great community benefit in providing leisure, entertainment, recreational uses and additional housing stock in a highly desirable central location,’’ they said.

“The proposal will also generate more jobs during the construction and post-construction phase, which will be welcome as part of the post COVID-19 economic recovery.