New plan for tower to overshadow historic Shafston House

Brisbane’s historic Shafston House would be dwarfed by a huge new residential tower that, if approved, would dominate the Kangaroo Point skyline.

A previous proposal by landowner Burgundy Group to build a 15-storey tower on the site was approved in March 2023, but Hendra-based Verso Development Group is now proposing a 28-storey residential tower.

Verso chief executive Steve Laffey said the increased height was in keeping with Kangaroo Point’s increasing density.

The building would tower over Shafston House.Credit: Kerry Hill Architects

“Kangaroo Point is well-placed to accommodate new projects and high density, particularly with council’s new green bridge investment,” he said, referring to the new pedestrian bridge linking the suburb to the CBD.

The new design adds 44 metres to the approved 73.6-metre tower at the landmark site, with Verso’s design coming in at 117.6 metres.

In its assessment report, submitted to Brisbane City Council of Verso’s behalf, town planning firm Urbis described the plans as a “celebration of heritage”.

“The applicant has identified a significant opportunity to revisit the approved design by approaching the project through a ‘whole of site’ master planning lens,” Urbis said.

The historic riverfront site attracted national and international interest when it was put on the market in November.Credit: Queensland Heritage Register

Shafston House was built by the Reverend Robert Creyke in 1851 as a single-storey cottage, with several subsequent owners and construction stages. It was placed on the Queensland Heritage Register in 2005.

Urbis said the proposal would protect and maintain views of Shafston House from New Farm and the Brisbane River.

“The future ownership structure for the proposed residential estate provides an opportunity to conserve and restore Shafston House and its grounds, along with the wards, orderlies and postal depot buildings by sharing ‘upkeep’ expenditure across all owners of the estate, and thereby reducing the maintenance burden,” Urbis said.

Designed by Kerry Hill Architects, the tower would house 51 dwellings – 48 units, two river homes and one guesthouse, up from 37 units and two river homes.

KHA director Patrick Kosky said the project included a series of buildings with “best practice” passive solar and passive environmental design.

“This tower has adjustable facades that respond to climate and sun paths, which can create a dynamic and ever-changing presence on the city skyline,” he said.

The proposal also included a private six-berth marina and a new section of public riverwalk.

Site cover on the famously open space would also increase from 27 to 32.5 per cent, including the heritage-listed buildings on site. There would be 102 car parks (six for visitors) and 70 bike spaces (14 for visitors) on site.

But the proposal would likely be met with opposition. Several submissions have been made to the council against the smaller, 15-storey plans.

“We believe that the government and council have an obligation to the people of Queensland to ensure that nothing modern is ever built on this heritage site and this Brisbane river treasure is preserved,” one anonymous submitter wrote.

The tower would dominate the Kangaroo Point skyline.Credit: Kerry Hill Architects

Another submission called for a more radical intervention.

“I would support BCC and/or the state government buying back this entire property and putting it back in the hands of the public,” they said.

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