First look: RG Property file for Brisbane Olympic Games precinct apartment tower
Rhett Williams' RG Property Group is the latest to join the residential apartment development scene in the booming Brisbane Games Precinct around Woolloongabba.
RG Property, a diversified developer predominantly playing in the shopping centre and office space nationally, recently acquired the 1,619 sqm site at 169 Wellington Road, East Brisbane, just 800 metres from The Gabba. The site purchase came with approval for a 50-unit, eight-level building.
The developer is seeking to push the height to 10 levels, and increase the density to 72 apartments.
Now on offer will be nine one-bedroom apartments, 36 two-beds, and 27 three-bed apartments. A rooftop will home swimming pool, pool deck, a bar, and a barbecue and alfresco area. There will also be a gym on the podium level.
MAS Architecture has come in for the redesign of the building.
The tower is to be called The Banksii, in response to its design that was inspired by the Banksia flower.
In the documents submitted, MAS said the design concept draws deeply from the Grevillea Banksii, a flowering plant native to Queensland which is mostly found on the Queensland coast from Ipswich to Yeppoon, but sometimes further inland. The shrub, or slender tree, has divided leaves with four to twelve narrow lobes, and creamy white to bright scarlet and yellow flowers.
MAS said the 10-level residential tower is "poised to redefine East Brisbane’s urban fabric."
"Framed by the city skyline to the north, the river to the east, and parklands with mountain vistas to the west, the site presents a rare opportunity to celebrate Brisbane’s distinct landscape.
"The re-imagined ground plane aims to anchor the building within its context, combining landscaped elements with communal spaces to enhance its connection to the streetscape. The architectural design responds by creating a striking yet contextually grounded presence, balancing inspiration from nature with a refined urban sensibility."
Town planner Urbis noted that, whilst the proposal is generally consistent with the existing approved development, there are additional elements that elevate the design, liveability and public realm to achieve a significant improvement compared to the previous design.
"More glazing has been incorporated to maximize the views of Raymond Park and improve the flow of natural light to each apartment within the tower."
RPG held a pre-lodgement meeting with the Brisbane City Council in October, with the council supportive of the proposed amendments, agreeing that the amendments were relatively minor in nature.
The development will include a laneway that will partially open to the sky and connect Wellington Road to Manilla Street. It will also provide the opportunity for a public art installation.
RG also has approved plans for a former bread factory in Fortitude Valley. The plans 15-level tower, rising from the heritage-listed building that would home 118 apartments, were approved in 2023.
The Woolloongabba precinct is a buzz with both private and public infrastructure projects. Mosaic has a second project in Kangaroo Point pending launch on Linton Street, while Sarazin is currently developing Murcia on Overend Street.
