Brisbane's 8 future tallest skyscrapers

Brisbane is showing signs of some remarkable plans for the future, with a long list of skyscraper projects on the cards. In late 2019, the city welcomed the highly anticipated Brisbane Skytower, which topped out at an impressive 274 metres. However, the tower’s height is unlikely to be surpassed any time soon, due to a few contending projects falling through or facing planning roadblocks. The reason for the lack of competition when it comes to height is due to the Brisbane Airport radar shadowing restriction, which limits towers to 274 metres – posing a challenge for developers wishing to exceed this height.

Despite the restriction, Brisbane is showing an upward trajectory of skyscraper development, with eight exciting new projects in the pipeline for the next few years.

For those who want to learn more about what’s in store for Brisbane, here is a list of proposed towers.

1. 30 Albert Street (274m)

Location: 30 Albert Street

The tower set to be delivered at 30 Albert Street by international developer World Class Land has encountered an obstacle, after discovering that the development could interfere with the Cross River Rail underground tunnel beneath the project site. 30 Albert Street has already undergone a significant design change in 2016, replacing the original green glass facade with blue and gold glass. It is not yet known when construction is likely to commence; however, you can track any project updates here.

2. The One (264m)

Location: 272-318 George Street

The One is a new luxury residential development located within the master-planned Brisbane Quarter precinct. With plans originally proposed back in 2013, the project is well on its way towards a slated completion of 2020 and is currently over half-built. Located within the heart of the city, The One boasts stunning river and city views, and excellent access to world-class amenities and public transport.

3. Queen’s Tower (250m)

Location: 545 Queen Street

While the original residential tower concept is no longer going ahead, there is still a chance for the new owners to utilise old plans or pursue a project of similar size. The initial Queen's Tower was architecturally designed by Woods Bagot, with two curved glass panels juxtaposed with slender flat planes, creating a changeable façade when viewed from different angles across the city. The striking 76-storey building will deliver 891 luxury residences, 100 serviced apartments and 2,500 square metres of dedicated retail and commercial space. Queen's Tower occupies an island site surrounded by Queen, Adelaide and Macrossan Streets.

4. Queen’s Wharf Tower 4 (231.1m)

Followed by Queen’s Wharf Tower 1 (190m), Queen’s Wharf Tower 5 (180m), Queen’s Wharf Tower 6 (160m)

Location: Queens Wharf

The exciting new Queen’s Wharf mixed-use precinct features four buildings – and will make an impactful debut on the city of Brisbane once complete in 2022. With design and master planning led by Cottee Parker Architects and Jerde Partnership, the development features a carefully considered range of architecturally designed public spaces, including a highly anticipated Sky Deck, rooftop moonlight cinema and River Arena. Queen’s Wharf will also welcome five new premium hotels, 50 restaurants and bars, ballrooms, function spaces, the new Queensland Hotel and Hospitality School and 12 football fields worth of public event space.

5. 360 Queen Street (200m)

Location: 360 and 370 Queen Street

Planned for a prominent Queen Street site, is a nature-focused 40 storey mixed-use precinct, designed by Blight Rayner. The tower will feature thriving laneway retail, a public piazza and several skyparks for the public to enjoy. In addition to the multitude of mature trees and vertical greening throughout the development, 360 Queen Street is also striving for many environmental ratings:

• 5 Star NABERS Energy Base Building Rating
• WELL Core and Shell Gold Certification
• 5 Star Green Star Design
• As-Built Rating

6. 195-199 Elizabeth Street (196m)

Location: 195-199 Elizabeth Street

A new 60-level tower has been planned for Elizabeth Street and will feature 248 one, two and three-bedroom apartments. The initial design by renowned architect Rothelowman was proposed in 2015 and featured a spectacular curved form to offer expansive viewpoints of the city below. The first five floors of the tower feature a large void which maximises the Buildings that Breathe concept, while ground-floor planting will aim to revitalise the streetscape. We have not heard any updates about whether this project will be commencing yet.

7. 443 Queen Street (183.7m)

Location: 443 Queen Street

A collaborative project between Architectus and WOHA has led to an exciting new design for the 443 Queen Street site. The development is one of Australia’s first buildings set to achieve a Generosity Index of 80 and Green Plot ratio of 197%. It embraces sub-tropical living with a carefully curated selection of native plants, cascading vertical gardens and mature trees, give this skyscraper a distinct point of difference. In August last year, we reported that the podium and first five floors were already under construction, so it'll be interesting to watch this development take shape throughout 2020.

8. 500 George Street (179m)

Location: 500 George Street

A 60-storey residential tower with a striking black and gold façade has been planned for 500 George Street. Architect Cottee Parker has delicately integrated the existing heritage King George Chambers buildings with the modern new skyscraper. The building will feature 144 serviced apartments, student accommodation and 248 apartments. As far as we're aware, there has been no progress made on this development due to an issue surrounding easement access for construction. However, keep an eye on Urban for future updates.

Discarded projects

No.1 Brisbane 274.3m

Location: 217-235A George Street and 52-58 Queen Street

Brisbane City Council approved the proposed 81-storey residential tower in 2017, however, was purchased by Charter Hall with no plans to commence construction on the approved plans as of yet. The tower would have become Brisbane’s tallest residential tower to date and showcase the work of Blight Rayner Architecture with its dazzling cylindrical form and protruding balconies. No.1 Brisbane has been specifically designed to activate the adjoining laneway – Burnett Lane – which is a central feature of Brisbane City Council’s Vibrant Laneways revitalisation scheme.

The development features 200 less car parking spaces than standard requirement as a means to promote public transport use within the CBD.

240 Margaret Street (274m)

The previously planned A 91-storey residential tower was a collaborative project between Aspial Corporation and World Class Land, with design by Cox Rayner Architects. Situated next to Brisbane Skytower, 240 Margaret Street would have featured 783 apartments.

155-171 Edward Street (274m)

ASX-listed developer Dexus has recently acquired a prime site in Brisbane’s CBD from Aria Property Group. The 171 Edward Street site comes with approved plans for an 81-storey residential tower with retail and 642 apartments.

Brisbane Square Tower 2 (170.7m)

Location: 266 George Street

In October 2018, the development application for Brisbane Square Tower 2 was withdrawn due to planning constraints, a year after submission. Set to become the second tower for Brisbane Square, the $450 million project would have featured 43,824 square metres of commercial space and be the fourth largest commercial tower in Brisbane, standing at 36-stories high. Designed by Blight Rayner Architecture, The tower was designed by Blight Rayner Architecture and appeared to be suspended off the ground, with elongated structural pillars at street level, making way for an accessible civic square. Brisbane Square Tower 2 was also on track towards achieving a 6 Star Green Star Rating, with a range of environmental initiatives incorporated into the design.