Five-building residential, retail complex proposed for suburban station

A transit-oriented development and urban renewal project has been put on the agenda for Alderley in Brisbane’s northern suburbs.

Under the private sector proposal, several commercial buildings and a large storage facility would be replaced by townhouses, apartments and shops.

The Darveniza Group this week asked Brisbane City Council to approve a master plan for the site, which would include buildings up to 10 storeys high, around communal green space, with direct links to Alderley train station.

Renders of the Station Quarter development proposed for Alderley in Brisbane.

The staged development would have approximately 460 apartments and townhouses once complete.

“By replacing industrial land uses with residential, the project not only meets the immediate housing needs but also fosters a thriving, connected community within Brisbane’s inner five-kilometre radius,” Urbis has told council on behalf of the group.

“This development will set a new benchmark for urban living, integrating seamlessly with the existing transport infrastructure and enhancing the overall quality of life for its residents.”

In stage one, the group intends to construct two buildings, with around 100 apartments in total, along with ground floor retail space and communal areas.

Brisbane City Council has been asked to approve a master plan for the transit-oriented development at Alderley.

Residents would have direct access to the train station, as well as local bus stops, through an “urban common” that would be permanently open to the public.

“This urban common is envisioned as a vibrant corner that provides amenity and a space for the community,” documents state.

The group, through its Farrington Corporation, acquired the largest site in 2007 for $7.1 million, adding another two in 2021 for $4.4 million and $3.5 million. It has told council it hopes to acquire another neighbouring property and has incorporated it into the draft master plan.

Successive councils and state governments have sought to increase density around major public transport hubs in Brisbane. The latest south-east Queensland regional plan continues with that strategy, which the former government said would allow people to live closer to employment, service and retail centres.

Milton, Bowen Hills and Albion are frequently cited as examples of suburbs where higher density living has been accommodated around train stations. The former government and council last year agreed to ease parking requirements for inner-city developments well-serviced by public transport, such as those in the Kurilpa precinct, to reduce the cost of building apartments.

The Darveniza Group told council its community engagement sessions found broad support for the proposal, but some concerns around traffic congestion and parking.

If approved, Station Quarter would around the corner from the Alderley level crossing, which the government has no plans to remove, and not far from the still-undeveloped North West Transport Corridor.

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