The site on Breakfast Creek Road at Newstead, once considered for the ABC’s Brisbane headquarters, is now the subject of plans for a mixed-use development known as the Breakfast Creek Quarter. The proposed development includes three residential towers taller than 20 storeys, comprising 752 units, above a retail and commercial plaza at ground level. However, the current height limit in the area is 10 storeys, prompting the developers to seek approval for an increase in height.
The owners of the still-vacant land have asked Brisbane City Council to approve a development that could potentially reach up to 28 storeys in height. In preparation for an argument with the council, the developers have compiled an analysis and comparison study to advocate for a “potential height uplift” in Newstead North. Urbis, representing the site owner DJR Investments, has argued that the site should be considered in the same way as other areas in Newstead, Bowen Hills, and Fortitude Valley where 30-storey towers are permissible.
The developers are emphasizing the need for increased housing supply to meet population growth in Newstead, citing limited availability of “catalytic” sites for development. They argue that with heights up to 30 storeys allowed within 200 meters of the site, and Albion heights exceeding those in Newstead North, it is necessary to redefine height restrictions to support sustainable growth in the area. The proposed development includes a retail and commercial plaza at ground level, aiming to create a vibrant and diverse urban environment in the heart of Newstead.
The Breakfast Creek Quarter is envisioned as a commercial hub of a scale consistent with surrounding low-rise buildings like Bunnings and Mercedes-Benz. The site’s central location, near Newstead House and the banks of Breakfast Creek, makes it an attractive spot for a mixed-use development. The proposed residential towers would offer hundreds of new units, helping to meet the growing demand for housing in the area.
If approved, the development would significantly transform the vacant site on Breakfast Creek Road, bringing new life and vibrancy to the area. The mixed-use project aims to create a dynamic urban environment with a mix of residential, commercial, and retail spaces. By incorporating high-rise residential towers above a retail and commercial plaza, the developers hope to contribute to the city’s growth and provide much-needed housing options in Newstead.
Overall, the proposed Breakfast Creek Quarter development represents a new chapter for the vacant site at Newstead, potentially transforming it into a bustling urban precinct. The developers’ argument for an increase in height restrictions aims to support sustainable growth and meet the demand for housing in the area. With its central location and mixed-use design, the project could enhance the vibrancy and livability of Newstead, creating a dynamic community hub for residents and visitors alike.
