On the doorstep of Brisbane’s CBD as well as overlooking a future Olympic venue and entertainment precinct, a development rebound is under way in historic Spring Hill.
A slender 15-storey hotel tower along one of Brisbane’s oldest streets is among the latest proposals lodged for the city-fringe suburb.
It would comprise 92 short-term accommodation suites sitting atop an arch-filled entrance rising three levels and designed to “respect” its heritage-listed neighbours.
The development application has been filed with the Brisbane City Council by Wickham Hill Pty Ltd, an entity linked to local developer John Taouk.
Property records show the 950sq m site at 309 Wickham Terrace was acquired through the same entity in 2021 for $6.5 million.
Planning documents said the Rothelowman-designed scheme seeks to “attract a premium hotel operator” and draws inspiration from the heritage places within the immediate vicinity.
Sharing a common boundary with 1860s-built terrace house Athol Place—a heritage-listed place and one of the Queensland capital’s oldest buildings—the DA will be referred to the State Assessment Referral Agency.
“The development maintains and promotes views towards the adjoining Athol Place by maintaining a large front setback and three storey-high large feature archway voids within the frontage,” the application said. “The combined effect improves visibility of Athol Place and respects its primacy within the streetscape.”
A heritage impact assessment concluded it would not have a detrimental impact on the cultural heritage significance of Athol Place “provided that any potentially damaging construction processes (such as excavation in nearby rock) are properly managed”.
A red brick four-storey block of 12 units established about 1940 that has since “undergone multiple alterations” would make way for the proposed tower.
Under the plans, 80 one-bedroom and 12 two-bedroom hotel suites would be capped by a rooftop terrace with a pool, subtropical garden, outdoor dining, barbecue and seating areas as well as an indoor function room and bar.
At street level, the entry would feature a cafe/bar, hotel reception and lobby, landscaped outdoor seating areas with water springs and a mezzanine gym. As well, 27 carparking spaces would be provided across the ground and two basement levels.
“The proposal will provide high-quality short-term accommodation to ensure that there is sufficient capacity for international and domestic travellers to visit Brisbane for signature events and global conventions, including but not limited to future events at the nearby Brisbane Live venue and the 2032 Olympics,” the DA said.
A design statement said the development proposal was “envisaged as the next iteration in the renaissance of Brisbane’s ‘almost’ forgotten inner city suburb of Spring Hill” and would “positively contribute to the urban character of Spring Hill”.
“The design draws from an understanding of Spring Hill’s history and foreshadows the suburb’s potential to create a destination layered in meaning,” it said.
“The development seeks to enhance the character and potential of Spring Hill, provide a strong sense of identity for locals and a destination for visitors.”
This article was first published by The Urban Developer on 31 July 2023.
