CBD Holy War ends in peace deal

A HOLY war in the CBD over a high-rise tower overshadowing one of the city’s oldest cathedrals has been abated, despite the proposal doubling in size.

An artists impression of Consolidated Properties' $200 million Queen St residential tower. pic supplied

A HOLY war in the CBD over a high-rise tower overshadowing one of the city’s oldest cathedrals has been abated, despite the proposal doubling in size.

The Anglican Church last year went to court in a failed attempt to stop the approval of a 17-storey commercial building it feared was too close to heritage-listed St John’s Cathedral and would destroy its vistas.

But it now supports a new proposal from the same developer on the same site that is 39-storeys high, saying the slimmer building has been set further back and protects the heritage views the church was fighting for.

Cathedral dean Reverend Peter Catt said developer Consolidated Properties had worked with them on the design to protect the vistas.

“The sight lines are certainly much better, we’re really happy with it,” he said.

“There will be a few days we’re affected by shadow, but that doesn’t look to be particularly bad.”

An artist’s impression of Consolidated Properties' $200 million Queen St residential tower. pic supplied

The original proposal was a wider building set right against the edge of the property lines on Ann St, but the latest plan has setbacks of between 4.4m and 12.4m.

Consolidated Properties executive chairman Don O’Rorke said the new $200 million proposal, which has also changed from a commercial building to a residential tower, was respectful of the heritage values and even named Spire after the cathedral.

“We’ve got a really good relationship with the church and we’ve had a full, open dialogue with them.

He said the new design had also reflected the nearby heritage buildings and church.

“When you look down Ann St you will see the cathedral, cathedral buildings and a similar brick facade (on the high-rise), but a more modern take on it.”

Peter Catt, acting dean of St John's Cathedral Brisbane

The development application lodged last week by Consolidated Properties describes it as a slender tower, though it admits it would impact on the cathedral’s views, but less so than under the previous proposal.

“Long range views of the cathedral nave and transept in Ann St will be affected by the proposal, however these are not identified as being of cultural significance and the impact of the proposed views is less than would occur for the existing commercial approval,” the application states.

Mr O’Rorke said the new DA was lodged because the commercial property market had “run out of steam”, while the residential market was getting stronger.

It will be a $200 million, 340-apartment building mostly focused on one and two-bedroom units while it will include cafes and restaurants on the ground floor.

“Hopefully it will add to the vibrancy of the area,” Mr O’Rorke said.

A council spokesman said the development applications was still in the very early stages of assessment.