First look exclusive: Fortis flick offices to apartments in Newstead
Luxury developer Fortis is mixing up their Newstead, Brisbane project.
Fortis, who operate across the luxury apartment and commercial markets in Sydney and Melbourne, had been tinkering with the Kyabra Street site since they acquired it for $5.775 million in early 2022 when it came with approval for an 11-level timber officer tower.
In February they sought to change the design of the building to create something more inkeeping with local architecture.
But now those plans are likely to be moot, given the recently submitted plans for a bureau^proberts designed building with 65 apartments. The architecture firm suggested in the planning documents that the new proposal both better aligns with changing market conditions and the local architectural context.
"The iconic form is a contribution to the future skyline of Brisbane and responds to the changing identity of its inner-city suburbs," bureau^proberts noted in their design statement.
"Situated in an ‘inner city sustainable growth precinct’, 12 Kyabra St’s contribution of an increase in housing is in line with the precinct planning laid out by the Brisbane City Council."
They said the tower is anchored by a solid brick and masonry podium, softened by lush planting.
"The materiality pays homage to the iconic brick warehouses that define Newstead’s identity. This historical reference anchors the development in its context and provides a sense of recognizable identity to the streetscape."
The new 22-level tower will now house a mix of 54 two-bedroom and 11 three-bedroom apartments.
Vertical greenery and strategic screening will provide privacy while offering views of the city and river.
The building’s profile is slightly angled to capture long-term view lines to the CBD and allow filtered light into the apartments. Residents will also be provided with a rooftop and outdoor space with views of the CBD and the Brisbane River.
Fortis, the development arm of funds manager Pallas Capital, is currently developing its first Brisbane development, on the water at Kangaroo Point.
River House by Fortis features 14 full-floor apartments, each with 260 sqm of internal space, across a 14-level building on O'Connell Street.
In Melbourne they've been active too, recently launching Wiltshire House in Richmond.
