First look: Sarazin to favour downsizers and families in revised Woolloongabba apartment tower plans
Local Brisbane developer Sarazin is tweaking the next two towers of its popular Silk Lane development in the heart of Woolloongabba's Olympic precinct.
Sarazin is seeking to add more levels on the two towers which will literally look into the famed The Gabba, the focal point of the 2032 Summer Olympics.
In a community engagement report, Sarazin said the aim to design larger apartments reflects current buyer demand.
"The apartments are aimed at families and downsizers seeking to enter the area of Woolloongabba, as it is revitalised by Cross River Rail and the Olympics," the report noted.
They'll be adding another 34 apartments to the two towers which were approved at 20-levels per tower. They're now wanting Silk Two to rise 25 levels and Silk Three to reach 32 levels. Both of the towers have been designed by Nettleton Tribe, who designed Silk One.
Silk Two will have 146 apartments, a mix of 36 one-beds, two thirds with a multi-purpose room, 80 two-bed apartments, and 30 three-bedders. Silk Three will have 239 apartments, 69 one-bedrooms, 102 two-bedrooms, 60 three-bed apartments, and eight four-bedders.
Half of the resident amenity in Silk Three will be on the third level, where there will be a gym with treatment rooms and hot tubs in landscaping. The rooftop will home a dining space, outdoor barbecue area, a swimming pool and a sauna.
All of the resident amenity in Silk Two will be on the rooftop. That will too have a pool, dining and barbecue space, as well as a wine room.
There will be eight retail tenancies on the ground level to invigorate the streetscape.
In addition to the tweaking of the density and the heights, Sarazin are proposing a groundbreaking gallery for science and the arts. STEAMM (science, technology, environment, art, music and mathematics), will sit across a two level, 1735 sqm gallery space in Silk Three and will open to a STEAMM Garden.
"The inclusion of a STEAMM Gallery and Community Garden represents a ground-breaking project for Queensland, bringing science and art together through multi-form exhibitions, artists and scientists in residence, installations and curated experiences," planning documents submitted to the Brisbane City Council read.
"Sarazin believes the STEAMM Garden is a key additional community benefit, transferring 520 sqm of private space courtyard to the public realm, as the Garden will be open even when the Gallery is closed.
"Partnering with leading universities, research facilities, museums, artists and galleries both in Australia and abroad, STEAMM emboides Brisbane City Council's vision for a "new world city".
"STEAMM Gallery’s annual exhibition program supports Brisbane’s major science events such as the World Science Festival and National Science Week, in line with state and national educational curriculums.
Sarazin was committed to strong engagement with the local community prior to the submission of the amendment to the development approval.
The project team met with several stakeholders in a series of briefing meetings. These included Planning Chair Cr Adam Allan, Lord Mayoral Advisor Nathan Percy, Economic Development Queensland, Queensland Art Gallery and Gabba Business Association.
A community newsletter was hand delivered to about 2,000 residences and businesses in Woolloongabba to advise of the proposed development and promote the community information sessions. Local business was engaged via a doorknock of the area surrounding the development, including the Logan Road precinct.
Sarazin believes the amendment is balanced by better design and significant community outcomes.
