Massive changes coming to Racecourse Rd in Hamilton

One of Brisbane’s most famed high streets is set for a once-in-a-generation transformation as a wave of luxury unit developers move in. SEE WHAT’S COMING

A series of new, luxury developments are proposed or under construction for Racecourse Road, Ascot.

Brisbane’s famous high street Racecourse Road is on the cusp of once-in-a-generation transformation amid a wave of luxury developments.

Retailers were plunged into dark times after Covid lockdown, with a third of shops vacant and trade down as much 60 per cent.

But today plans have been submitted for three exclusive residential projects and a prime development site has attracted interest from more than 100 buyers.

Construction is also underway on a highly-anticipated apartment complex, and whispers suggest another site is under contract, earmarked for more high-end units.

Adding to the momentum, retirement village developer Keyton is advancing its Bernborough Ascot precinct, featuring three buildings with racecourse frontage.

An aerial view of Racecourse Road, highlighting a property that has the interest of more than 100 buyers. Picture: Ray White Commercial

Ray White Commercial’s Andrew Burke said some longstanding owners were selling tightly-held properties for the first time in years, which would usher in a new era.

“In the last couple of months there have been signs of rejuvenation as families with generational holdings decide to move on,’’ Mr Burke said.

“This will bring in not just new residents, but high-end retail.

“It will add walkability to the funky amenity of the area and I expect the activity will push up the price of units.’’

Mr Burke said the high street had been overlooked in recent years, despite being close to the airport and city, and a recent update of Kingsford Smith Drive.

Ray White Commercial has been conducting an expressions of interest campaign for a major property at 18 Racecourse Rd, closing on July 24, which had attracted interest from 100 would-be buyers, some of whom wanted to redevelop it as units.

Another block further down the strip was believed to be under contract to a buyer interested in a four-level apartment project.

The hanging gardens on the Graya balconies.

But perhaps the most exciting of the upcoming projects was a development application lodged by high-profile luxury home builders Graya Developments for a four-storey mixed-use project at 63–71 Racecourse Rd and 12 Balowrie St.

It included eight ground-level retail and food outlets topped by 37 stylish apartments spread over three levels, with a rooftop pool, yoga lawn, outdoor gym and BBQ area.

Leading architect Bureau Proberts’s subtropical design featured a central pedestrian arcade through the retail section, linking Racecourse Rd to Kent St.

The Fortis unit project. Image: Koichi Takada

Next door at 53 Racecourse Rd, prominent developer Fortis also has plans for a mixed-use project with ground-floor retail topped by 12 high-end apartments.

“The proposal provides a contemporary, mixed-use response to the traditional main street,’’ town planners for Fortis said in the development documents.

Significant street trees on the Racecourse Rd frontage would be retained, with plans for footpath dining, cafes and other hospitality venues.

It also would have a rooftop garden with a pool, spa, recreation deck and gym.

Developers Silverstone meanwhile has begun work on its long-awaited The Windermere, originally another retail-residential offering but which has since undergone significant design changes in the past five years.

The rooftop level at Windermere.

A huge crane was now on site at the updated project, a 36-unit luxury project with properties currently on the market for $2.7m to $3.9m.

Although named after one of the suburb’s most iconic stately homes, The Windermere featured an ultra-modern design by Carr architects.

Luxury touches included 5.5m stone kitchen benches, handcrafted bathrooms with “rain’’ showers and jaw-dropping master bedroom suites.

The incredible rooftop came with a skyline pool, gym, yoga deck and alfresco dining areas.

Construction was due to wrap up by March next year.

A short stroll away, at 128 Racecourse Rd, plans have been lodged to demolish a four-storey apartment block and replace it with a high-quality retail/office project topped by six, three-bed units with large balconies.

There would also be a landscaped rooftop garden with pool and recreational areas.

A revised proposal was lodged recently with Brisbane City Council, which approved the original design in April, for a fifth level containing a single penthouse apartment and redesigned rooftop communal area.

Originally published as Massive changes coming to Racecourse Rd in Hamilton