Conrad Gargett Archives

Lutwyche is about to get a makeover after the Lamington Markets, one of Brisbane’s largest indoor market halls, was just given the go-ahead for development.

Read: Plans Lodged for a 24-hour Medical Centre in Busy Stafford Intersection

The project, which will be overseen by developer Meridian Property Holdings, will occupy a total of 10,000 sqm of land at 612 Lutwyche Rd and 53-57 Lamington Ave and will cost approximately $150 million to build. It will offer a market hall, specialty supermarket, urban farm, craft brewery, cinemas, commercial spaces, and residential living. Brisbane City Council has given the green light to the development, pursuant to the Planning Act of 2016.

What to Expect

According to plans (A005365420) submitted by the developers, Lamington Markets will be two towers with more than 134 residential apartments with two, three, and four bedrooms. Designed by Conrad Gargett, Lamington Markets will boast a rooftop farm and terraced lawns inspired by New York’s Highline to a craft brewery and boutique cinema.

Aerial view of the subject location (Photo credit: https://developmenti.brisbane.qld.gov.au)

Subject location (Photo credit: https://developmenti.brisbane.qld.gov.au)

Based on planning documents, part of the site was initially acquired by the State Government to deliver the Northern busway, and following, was sold back to the previous land owner. The project team has worked with the Brisbane City Council and the State Government over a four-year period to respond to site constraints and refine the urban design response to the site.

Render of the Lamington Markets (Photo credit: Conrad Gargett)

Local Criticism

Despite local support, this major development has also been met with some criticism from residents in the area, citing concerns about increased traffic and noise that the approved development may bring in the area.

“As a tenant of the Spectrum apartments I do, in principle, agree with the development. However I am concerned by the increased traffic it will cause, disability access, and the potential noise. Currently it is challenging to exit the apartments due to the traffic on Lutwyche Rd. Adding 400+ cars a day coming and going will add to the difficulties,” the resident said.

Construction is scheduled to start in late 2021 and depending on weather and construction conditions, it should be complete by 2024.

Developers are looking to build two 12-storey mixed-use towers on a 7,332 sqm site at 612 Lutwyche Road and 53 and 57 Lamington Avenue, Lutwyche.

Designed by Conrad Gargett, the application seeks to build residential towers with a retail complex, cinemas, and healthcare centre. Architectural plans show it will have a public laneway with footbridges that will connect the towers.

Photo Credit: pdonline.brisbane.qld.gov.au

A key feature of the development will be a market hall similar to the Queen Victoria Market in Melbourne and Borough Market in Southwark, London. It will also include an urban farm restaurant which can be accessed by the public and the residents alike. The developer notes the towers will “create an impression of a cohesive neighbourhood within the skyline.”

The applicant originally proposed a building height of 14 storeys for the southern tower and 21 storeys for the northern tower. However, the height has been reduced to a maximum of 12 storeys for both towers because a building height in excess of 12 storeys is not supported in the area.

All of the existing lots have residential dwellings on them with the exception of 612 Lutwyche Road, which is currently vacant. The properties on 53 and 57 Lamington Avenue will have to be removed as part of this proposal.

Whilst some locals welcome the development, some residents fear it will further overcrowd traffic and road usage in the small precinct of Lutwyche and Lamington Road.

“Residents in the area on Lamington Avenue and surrounding roads will have additional traffic to deal with when accessing/departing their properties. Parking in the neighbourhood is already overloaded with commuters, adding this facility will further restrict residential parking and access.”

The resident added that the plan seems to conflict with the planned changes for the Brisbane north bikeway connecting to the Kedron Brook Bikeway. “The anticipated increase in traffic will inherently make the proposed bike route dangerous for cyclists and pedestrians.”

Meanwhile, the application states The BCC Local Area Plan identifies the site as a retail hub and encourages mixed use developments up to 12 levels. It emphasizes that the mixture of retail spaces, small office tenancies, boutique cinema, restaurant tenancies, residential units and generous public spaces facilitate a new destination for Lutwyche and beyond.

For more information about the proposed towers, see Full DA-A005365420.

Tag: Conrad Gargett

$150-M Food and Lifestyle Precinct Approved for Lutwyche

Locals Not Keen About New 12-storey Towers Pitched For Lutwyche