Development company Urbis has ditched the office building that was previously approved for the site,on the corner of Wickham and Constance streets,in favour of a striking high-rise with 327 apartments.
Artists’ impressions of the development planned for 50 Constance Street in Fortitude Valley.Supplied
According to documents submitted to council,the architects believe the “sculptural,perforated,light reflective” facade will make a statement on the busy thoroughfare and deliver more sunlight to residents and neighbours.
“The light reactive form,coupled with fluted facade and bespoke window shading,enhance the dynamic presence of the building,” the architects claimed.
The site borders the entertainment precinct and is within council’s 30-storey development zone (the 20-storey zone starts across the road). While the tower would undoubtedly stand out,the architects suggest the area will one day be high-rise and council should regard it as a “demonstration project”.
At ground level,the tower would have shops and outdoor dining,not unlike the offering on nearby James Street. A podium would separate it from the apartment levels and,according to the architects,align with nearby rooftops.
At the top of the tower,however,would be a pool,gardens and common area for residents.
Build-to-rent projects have become and are being pushed by developers amid concern about access to,and the affordability of,housing.
Brisbane is also dealing with a growing population,and grappling with the question of whether more people should be accommodated in existing suburbs or new suburbs on the fringes.
The city has been ranked except with regard to providing access to public open space,where it ranked fifth.
While areas of south-east Queensland with more greenfield developments scored better for open space,they scored lower across all other social infrastructure indicators,plus walkability,than the older suburbs that were subject to infill developments.