Unstoppable: New 133-unit project as Indooroopilly boom keeps going

A developer has taken the unusual step of holding public information sessions for its latest, 133-unit project in this booming part of Indooroopilly. SEE THE PLANS

A developer has taken the unusual step of holding back-to-back public information sessions before even lodging a development application for its latest unit project.

TRK Property Group has flagged plans for two, seven-level towers and terrace houses, with a total of 133 units, at 140 Central Ave in Indooroopilly.

The area has been booming in recent years, with a string of highrise residential towers now lining the southern side of nearby Lambert Rd.

The only other developer in the westside, and possibly anywhere in Brisbane, to undertake widespread public consultation, in recent times, was Consolidated Property Group.

CPG is building two residential unit towers on the old ABC site in Toowong and consulted widely with the public and stakeholders including Toowong Residents Group.

Artist's impression of how the project might look, if approved.

Thirty four people turned up to last night’s (Thursday, June 30) public information sessions, according to leading PR firm Three Plus which was engaged to run the consultation.

“TRK Property is committed to strong engagement with the local community and has met with several stakeholders to discuss the proposed development,’’ TRK property director Arpan Kohli said.

“I am putting my heart and soul into this project and am passionate about delivering a strong outcome for the community.

“That’s why I am happy to talk to people and hopefully they understand why this is good project for Indooroopilly.”

Artist's impression of how one of the unit blocks could look.

Traffic from new highrise unit projects near Indooroopilly train station — as well as congestion at pick-up/drop-off times at St Peters, Indooroopilly State High School, Brigidine College and Holy Family primary schools — has turned Lambert Rd into a carpark in peak periods.

Some locals were also concerned the building heights proposed by TRK were two levels above that allowed in the neighbourhood plan.

“Interesting how the leaflet states that the planning scheme allows for a maximum of five stories, but then openly states that their plan features two buildings of seven stories each’,’’ James posted on an Indooroopilly community Facebook page.

Cathie posted: “Gee, that will be a huge build with Sovereign St being very narrow and a school at the end of the road. The traffic alone will be gridlock.’’

But TRK pointed out that the nearby Berlasco Court aged care project was also seven levels, plus a rooftop level.

It said the planning scheme allowed it to build three, five-level structures, but it was instead proposing a two-level “terrace’’.

The two, seven-level towers would also be more widely spaced than three smaller buildings.

An outdoor area at one of the existing units at 140 Central Ave.

“TRK is proposing a different design and a stronger outcome for the community,’’ it said.

“The proposed design incorporates a mixture of two-storey terrace homes and two-apartment buildings, both seven storeys high and incorporating about 60 residents each.

“Generous setbacks, combined with two-storey terrace homes, soften the interface with the suburban scale.’’

“Generous basement carparking will be provided, along with bicycle stores.

“The apartment buildings feature an attractive mixture of garden and private open space.’’

Car access would be via Sovereign St, with pedestrian access off Central Ave.

TRK has met with St Peter’s Lutheran College Indooroopilly, Brigidine College and Indooroopilly State High School to discuss its plans.

Mr Kohli said they expressed no concerns.

Feedback provided would be included in a community engagement report which would be submitted to Brisbane City Council, along with a development application.

The 20 feedback forms were submitted at the session included five in support, five undecided and 10 against.

Those who were supportive acknowledged the high quality of the development and identified a significant need for larger apartment residences in the area to meet the needs of young families and downsizers wanting to stay in their community.

Those who were against were concerned about density and traffic.

Aerial view of the proposed development site.

TRK would consider the feedback before finalising its DA.

It said a “code assessable’’ five-storey development could result in more apartments and more car and said it was within walking, cycling or bus distance to the train station, schools, facilities and shops.

The basement level would have 167 bicycle stores for residents and visitors.

“The proposed seven-storey apartment buildings and two storey terrace homes respond to the unique site scale and context of Indooroopilly,’’ TRK said.

“The seven-storey building responds to the scale of the neighbouring building at Belasco Court, and transitions to two storey terrace homes to the north of the site.

“The proposed development incorporates 127 residences across the two apartment buildings, as well as six terrace homes.

“This allows for increased setbacks from the boundary and high-quality landscaping.

“Brisbane City Council’s planning scheme clearly allows extra height if performance-based design criteria are met.

“The Rothelowman design and proposed construction is of a very high quality and meets Council’s Buildings that Breathe guidelines, incorporating high levels of sustainability, landscaping and resident amenity. Included in the project is a lap pool, rooftop garden, yoga lawn and children’s play area.’’