South Brisbane’s urban forest project gets a growth spurt

Developers promising “one of the greenest residential buildings in the world” have asked Brisbane City Council to allow 30 storeys instead of the 20 storeys already approved for the project.

Aria Property Group – which also developed the Fish Lane town square and arts precinct – first proposed a 30-storey tower on the South Brisbane site in 2020.

The council made them cut it down to about 20 storeys, in line with existing limits, but a change to planning laws has Aria again applying for 30 storeys.

The design was resubmitted last month, increasing the total units from 192 to 321, and adding 10 storeys. Credit: Binyan Studios

In an effort to deliver more homes in a smaller area, the Kurilpa peninsula – which includes parts of West End, South Brisbane and South Bank – is notionally allowed to have “tall sprawl” projects ranging from 30 to 90 storeys depending on the area.

The site for the Aria project is between the Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre, Brisbane State High School, and Musgrave Park. The developers lodged a new plan on September 25, reverting to their original proposed height, which is now the upper limit for the area.

Designed by Koichi Takada Architects, the most prominent feature of the building would be the 27,000 plants and 827 trees planned for its terraced balconies.

Design manager Simon Maurice said, “we want to celebrate Brisbane’s subtropical climate and bring the traditional backyard experience into each apartment”.

Development director for the project, Michael Hurley, said the tower would contribute much needed housing and new public spaces in the area.

“In time, we want Brisbane to be mentioned in the same breath as Singapore as a global leader in green buildings and sustainability,” Hurley said.

“As we lead towards the 2032 Olympics, Brisbane should be embracing more green and sustainable towers that will put our city on an international standing.”

Council gave teeth to its sustainable architecture vision last month when it amended the City Plan to provide new Buildings that Breathe guidelines, encouraging shade and green space to provide an “enviable and lush urban environment”.

Aria said their building was a prime example of sustainable architecture and environmental planning.

The West End Community Association disagreed, having called on council to reject the project altogether after the 20-storey design was approved at the end of 2021.

Association president Seleneah More said by applying to build a taller tower, the developers were not addressing the current housing shortage and instead demonstrating “the height of greed”.

“Aria has a 20-storey, 192-unit approval ready to go on the site,” she said.

More said the developers could have progressed the project further already, “issuing notice to vacate tenants, so housing, albeit luxury [housing], could be released sooner … but instead they have pursued additional yield and profit”.

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