Canberra-based developer Willemsen Group’s proposals for its new scheme at Fortitude Valley have been revised, following the $11.5m acquisition of the site from Brisbane-based developer Silverstone Developments.
Initial planning approval was granted in December 2020 which included a 14-storey office tower as the second stage. However, after the proposals were revised, the height was increased to 15 storeys in December 2022.
Willemsen Group has now proposed the delivery of a new 22-storey mixed-use co-living scheme that will see the replacement of the approved office tower at the earmarked 1,864 sqm site.
The new plans include delivering 381 one-bedroom co-living apartments, with residential amenities accessible at the development – including rooftop terraces, a communal podium and ground-floor retail space.
“The co-living segment presents a unique opportunity with respect to Brisbane’s housing crisis through the provision of a housing typology fulfilling a range of identified market needs. A co-living building blends private residential spaces with extensive shared areas and offers a regular roster of social events, co-working areas and hotel-like amenities and concierge services. This form of residential accommodation is a missing market in Brisbane. The proposal seeks to fill this gap and provide additional accommodation choices for Brisbane residents and visitors.”
Planning documents, Willemsen Group
The heritage-listed Fortitude Valley Police Station sits next door to the proposed scheme, marking it as a significant and desirable residential building in a sought-after location. Stage one of the scheme – a four-storey Police Citizens Youth Club – has been developed on 588 sqm of the site.
