Build-to-rent unit tower set to revitalise Brisbane city fringe

The developer chosen to overhaul the site of Brisbane’s former children’s court has revealed plans for a 32-storey unit tower set to emerge as the state government’s third pilot build-to-rent project.

Featuring 475 apartments – up to 250 with government-subsidised rent – the tower is the latest planned redevelopment on the city’s western fringe between Roma Street Station and Suncorp Stadium.

An artist’s impression of the 32-storey tower, for which plans were lodged late last week.Credit: Development.i / Brisbane City Council

Treasurer Cameron Dick announced in February that Cedar Pacific had been chosen to carry out the project on the state-owned land, given to the developer as part of the deal.

At the time, Dick said construction was expected to begin this year, with residents to move in during 2027.

On Friday, Cedar Pacific lodged plans with Brisbane City Council for demolition of the old court and construction of the new tower, between Coronation Drive and Quay Street south of The Barracks.

The plans detail a residential tower with a landscaped rooftop, communal multipurpose areas, a co-working space, cinema, games room, gym, pool, barbecue area and outdoor open space.

A pedestrian arcade will also be created on the western boundary to enable access between the two street frontages, both set to feature landscaping and a “publicly accessible feel”, the plans state.

This would also be created with a food and drink outlet on the higher Quay Street level.

Roughly half of the planned units would be one-bedroom, along with 75 studio apartments, 125 two-bedroom dwellings, and 25 with three bedrooms. All would have balconies.

With vehicle access slated from Quay Street, only 234 resident parking spaces would be provided – along with visitor and bicycle spaces – due to the central location and requirements of the expected tenants.

While higher than the 20-storey limit set out in the relevant portion of the City Centre neighbourhood plan, the developers have shaved five levels off the initial plan for a 37-storey tower.

The documents note that two developments planned for either side of the tower are also above that limit, with the central position of the Cedar Pacific building to act as a “transition” between those higher and lower towers.

“The building that currently occupies the site is disused, visually unimpressive and provides a poor-quality streetscape environment and no pedestrian connectivity through the site,” the plans state.

“The proposed development will transform this site through the provision of a landmark building with a porous and publicly accessible ground plane.

“Revitalising this significant gateway into the CBD represents a significant and positive contribution to the city.”

While not referenced in the documents, the site will also sit across the river from the proposed Kurilpa Precinct, the master plan of which will allow towers approaching 90 storeys.

Brisbane Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner hopes that precinct will also include build-to-rent projects, as the fast-growing city grapples with a housing crunch and looks ahead to further pressures in years to come.

The state government recently announced tax concessions for developers seeking to deliver such projects, which are still in their infancy in Australia but are starting to gain traction as another form of housing.