46-storey tower proposed behind Brisbane Synagogue

A 46-storey mixed-use tower could be constructed on Mary Street in Brisbane's CBD backing on to the Brisbane Synagogue.

The proposed tower would face Mary Street and back onto the Brisbane Synagogue on Margaret Street.

The proposal to build a commercial tower with two penthouse levels was lodged with Brisbane City Council in late December, by Bellevue Tce Properties Unit Trust and Mary Street Holdings Unit Trust, on land owned by the Brisbane Hebrew Congregation and the applicants.

The site at 98 and 98A Margaret Street and 25 Mary Street houses the Brisbane Synagogue, and commercial buildings on Mary Street that would be demolished to make room for the 207.35 metre high tower.

Documents lodged with the council show the developers are planning for a tower of "outstanding architectural and urban design outcome" aiming for six-star Green Star rating and meeting green-building guidelines set by the council.

If approved, the tower would be constructed with a public arcade alongside the heritage-listed synagogue linking Mary and Margaret streets.

"The development presents a unique opportunity to redevelop a currently underutilised site in the ‘quieter end’ of the city centre, resulting in the revitalization of Mary and Margaret Streets," an assessment report by planners Urbis says.

The tower would also have private event spaces and a "wellness floor" for "in-house functions ... for future tenants to improve wellbeing, health and fitness".

More than 46,763 square metres of commercial office space would be added to Brisbane's stock if the tower is constructed.

The Brisbane Hebrew Community would also gain a new secondary hall, café, kosher kitchen, indoor kids recreation space, roof deck and residential apartments.

The 1880s-era Synagogue is state heritage listed, and the development would not alter the worship site except for minor alterations to make room for the pedestrian accessway.

The code-assessable application also requests changes to the existing boundaries to "facilitate a commercial arrangement between the Brisbane Hebrew Congregation and the Applicant which enables the development area to be under the control of the Applicant at the time of construction of the integrated office tower", the assessment report lodged with the council says.

"Ultimately, ownership of the rear annexe facilities will be transferred back to the Brisbane Hebrew Congregation once development is completed."