Panettiere Developments has proposed the ‘Little Italy’ project for an L-shaped site in Newstead, which aims to become Brisbane’s future hub of Italian culture and cuisine. The project would include three residential towers, comprising a total of 1001 build-to-rent apartments, as well as retail, hospitality, and commercial tenancies at ground level. Originally planned as four towers of up to 36 storeys, the company has since scaled back to three towers of 29, 31, and 33 storeys after meeting with Brisbane City Council officers. The height of the towers is a point of contention, with the company arguing that the project will have a transformative effect on the area and justify the increased height.
The project is situated on the corner of Longland Street and Stratton Street, opposite Gasworks, with The Triffid music venue as its closest neighbor. Panettiere Developments envisions a revitalization of the ground-level space, with plans for high-quality, publicly accessible plaza space including a ‘Strattoria Lane’ off Stratton Street. The proposed design includes streetscape upgrades, urban laneways, and piazzas that would allow for informal recreation, functions, street events, and pop-up stalls. However, the company still needs to address concerns about the visual impact of the towers on the skyline, particularly whether they would obstruct views of the CBD from Hamilton, including for those traveling along Kingsford Smith Drive.
Despite the proposed changes to address concerns over the project’s overall bulk and height, the ‘Little Italy’ development still faces challenges in gaining approval from Brisbane City Council. The company must convince council officers that the design will not make the towers appear as a mass of concrete, steel, and glass on the skyline. Additionally, they have been asked to provide more information about whether the development would impact views of the CBD from Hamilton. These issues are important to consider as they could potentially affect the acceptance and success of the project within the community and city planning regulations.
The ‘Little Italy’ project is an ambitious endeavor by Panettiere Developments to create a vibrant and culturally rich destination in Newstead. With a focus on Italian culture and cuisine, the project aims to attract residents and visitors to the area through its mix of residential, retail, hospitality, and commercial spaces. The proposed design includes three residential towers with a significant number of build-to-rent apartments, as well as amenities such as publicly accessible plaza spaces, urban laneways, and piazzas. The project’s concentration on a key corner of Newstead highlights its potential to become a focal point for the community.
The design of the ‘Little Italy’ project reflects a vision for a dynamic and engaging urban environment that celebrates Italian culture and enhances the surrounding area. By incorporating elements such as ‘Strattoria Lane’ and other public spaces, the development seeks to create opportunities for recreation, social gatherings, and street events. The project promises to bring new life to the site by promoting pedestrian-friendly spaces and encouraging community interaction. However, the height and visual impact of the proposed towers remain key considerations in the approval process, as they could impact the overall perception of the development within the cityscape.
In conclusion, the ‘Little Italy’ project represents a significant development opportunity for Panettiere Developments in Newstead, with the potential to create a vibrant and culturally diverse destination in the heart of Brisbane. The project’s emphasis on Italian culture and cuisine, combined with a mix of residential and commercial spaces, offers a unique proposition for the area. While challenges remain in gaining approval for the project, addressing concerns over the height and visual impact of the towers could be crucial in ensuring its success and acceptance within the community. Overall, the ‘Little Italy’ project has the potential to transform the area into a dynamic and engaging urban space that celebrates Italian heritage and fosters community connections.
