Developer Submits Plans for 265-Unit Retirement Village in Lutwyche

Developers have submitted plans for a major retirement village development along Laura Street and Lowerson Street in Lutwyche.


Read: New Bridge From Leyton St to Wolverhampton St Takes Center Stage Over Kedron Brook in Stafford


Designed by Marchese Partners, the proposed village at 32, 33, 34-36, 35-37, 36A & 39 Laura Street and 39 Lowerson St, Lutwyche would consist of 265 high-density retirement living units across three 10-storey residential buildings.

The  project aims to provide quality senior housing options to meet growing demand in the area. With Lutwyche’s ageing population, the developers believe the village addresses a need for more accessible and community-focused retirement facilities.

Photo credit: Marchese Partners

“The proposal delivering 265 retirement living dwellings will support the availability of additional housing options in response to community and economic need in the catchment as well as supporting Brisbane City Council’s target to increase the retirement and aged care housing options in Brisbane by 50 percent by 2027 under the Retirement and Aged Care Initiative,” planners stated.

Photo credit: Marchese Partners

“Even with the current proposal of 265 dwellings, there will be a shortfall of retirement living housing options in the catchment. Thus, demonstrating both a community and economic need for the proposed development.”

The residential towers would be separated by landscaped spaces, with private balconies and terraces for the individual units. Communal recreation areas, including a rooftop space, are also planned. The 28,240 sqm development would be constructed over three stages.

Marchese Partners’ design incorporates features to integrate the village into the surrounding neighbourhood. Around 17 percent of the site would be dedicated to deep planting and greenery. Vehicle access points and pedestrian pathways are designed to connect residents to nearby streets and footpaths.

“The proposal will deliver a high quality architectural design that incorporates the use of a range of innovative design techniques to reduce the appearance of bulk and scale and ensure a visually balanced facade,” the planning documents read.


Read: Proposal for New Multi-Dwelling Residential Development on Norman Avenue Lodged


To learn more about the plans, visit Brisbane City Council’s PD Online with the reference A006320813.



Published 7-September-2023

New $19-Million Housing Complex Opens in Lutwyche

Did you know that a new, 38-unit housing complex has been unveiled in Lutwyche?



Accomplished as part of the QLD Housing Strategy for 2017-2027, the site is the first of two new such complexes in North Brisbane, with a similar facility also opening in Windsor in early 2023. Both facilities have large-scale modern apartments with private balconies. The Lutwyche site, located on Chapel Street, has 10 one-bedroom and 28 two-bedroom dwellings.

“These are the first two projects for BlueCHP in Queensland, although they have a considerable social and affordable housing portfolio in New South Wales.

“More than 50 per cent of the new homes will be built to Gold or Platinum standard under the Livable Housing Design Guidelines, meaning they are accessible for people with reduced mobility and assist people to age in place.

“Additional funding will come from NHFIC through a construction loan,” The Hon Leeanne Enoch, Minister for Communities, Housing and the Digital Economy, said. She was present at the opening of the Lutwyche social housing complex alongside the project partner, BlueCHP CEO Charles Northcote. 

BlueCHP CEO Charles Northcote said he was excited to work with the Queensland Government for the Queensland Housing Strategy 2017-2027 that will deliver safe, secure and affordable homes.

“Housing is a crucial support. It is the gateway to achieving individual dignity and at the core of an individual’s capacity to sustain themselves and their families.”

BlueCHP Executive Manager – Queensland and Northern Territory Darren Mew said these projects make an important contribution to the availability of social homes in Brisbane’s inner north.

“Strategically located close to major transport routes, employment, education and health services, these architecturally designed projects provide much needed homes for people in need,” he said.

“The two projects are the culmination of work from a dedicated team across Government and the not-for-profit sector who share BlueCHP’s mission to make a difference to people’s lives – to create a future where every Australian has access to a home they can afford.”

Lutwyche Housing
Photo Credit: BlueCHP

Ms Enoch said the projects highlight the Palaszczuk Government’s commitment to partner with the sector to increase housing for Queenslanders in need.

“Community housing providers have an important role to play in delivering social and affordable homes at reduced rent rates for low to moderate income earners,” she said.

“We are delivering individualised housing options, increasing the supply of social and affordable housing and providing the sector with a streamlined operating framework.

“The Palaszczuk Government’s continued investment in affordable housing construction provides people with a stable place to live as well as an income for thousands of workers.”

Ms Enoch said, through the Queensland Housing and Homelessness Action Plan 2021-2025, the Palaszczuk Government is investing $2.9 billion to boost housing supply and increase housing and homelessness supports across Queensland.



“This investment will see 466 new social homes commenced in the Brisbane region by 30 June 2025, through a planned investment of $125.2 million, supporting more than 397 full-time equivalent jobs.

“This is in addition to the 604 new social homes that are already commenced under the Queensland Housing Strategy.”

$150-M Food and Lifestyle Precinct Approved for Lutwyche

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)
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.

Deadline Approaching for Lucky Lutwyche Millionaire with Unclaimed Winnings

Did you know that between 2015 to 2021, some 10 individuals in Queensland, including a Lutwyche resident who won $1.3 million five years ago, have not yet come forward to collect their winnings from The Lott?



Spokesperson Lauren Cooney has been urging the public to check old shopping bags, their car’s glove box, or their sock drawers at home for the unclaimed tickets. She added that they’ve had several winners who hid their tickets in some “weird and wonderful places.” 

“We’ve had past division one winners come forward months and even years after the draw after finding an old ticket in the back of a drawer, in the central console of their car, and at the bottom of their handbag,” Ms Cooney said.

The Lutwyche millionaire purchased a Saturday Gold Lotto ticket from Lutwyche News & Gifts, which has since permanently closed at the Market Central, and that’s all The Lott knows about the ticket holder.

Photo Credit: Alejandro Grey/Pixabay

The rest of the unclaimed winning tickets in Queensland are as follows:

GameDraw no/Win date* Selling outlet Outlet suburb Division 1 prize
Saturday Gold Lotto3539
20-Jun-15
Nextra Morayfield VillageMorayfield$1,000,000.00
Monday Gold Lotto361819-Dec-16Cotton Tree NewsMaroochydore$1,000,000.00
Saturday Gold Lotto37874-Nov-17Nextra Capalaba Park NewsCapalaba$369,059.13
Saturday Gold Lotto386711-Aug-18Golden Lucky NewsHelensvale$671,513.12
Lucky Lotteries Mega Jackpot 1st Prize124915-Mar-19Nextra Wynnum PlazaWynnum West$200,000.00
Lucky Lotteries Super Jackpot 1st Prize10280
1-Apr-19
NewsExtra Springwood MallSpringwood$100,000.00
Saturday Gold Lotto3961 6-Jul-19Gatton Plaza NewsagencyGatton$774,838.34
Saturday Gold Lotto3967 27-Jul-19News WorxVictoria Point$1,000,000.00
Monday & Wednesday Gold Lotto4085 9-Apr-21News Extra MossmanMossman$1,000,000.00

In line with this, Ms Cooney said that it would be best for players to register their entries online so they could do a proper trace in case of the winners.



“We’re in the business of paying prizes and should you win big, you’ll want us to be able to reach out to you with the winning news.”

The deadline for claiming prizes vary per state but Queensland has the longest — within seven years from the draw date (win date).

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

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.

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.



Taoist Tai Chi Society Celebrates 50 Years with Free Session

In this increasingly stressful times, a physical routine like Tai Chi may help improve your stress management. But if you’re unsure if this is the right form of wellness program for your lifestyle, you can give one class a try for FREE this Saturday at the Taoist Tai Chi Society of Australia at 566 Lutwyche Road.

Happening on the 1st of February 2020, the event is part of the Lutwyche centre’s open house to mark its 50th anniversary. The free class will start at 10:30 a.m. until 12:00 p.m., followed by a tea session with the students and instructor. 



In 1970, Master Moy Lin Shin, founded the Taoist Tai Chi Society in Canada with a goal of teaching the ancient defence training as a healthy physical routine. The art of Tai Chi combines martial arts techniques with meditation, balancing the body and mind’s energies.

Photo Credit: Taoist Tai Chi Society of Australia/Facebook

The popularity of Tai Chi escalated around the world as it became a powerful tool for stress management among athletes and businessmen. Tai Chi classes are also being conducted at hospitals and schools for its health programs.

Today, over 40,000 members across the globe benefit from the techniques imparted by its accredited volunteer instructors. In Brisbane, the group has been growing for over 20 years. 



Now, if you enjoyed the free session on Saturday, you may begin attending the regular classes held every week. 

For more details, phone +61 7 3357 5600.

Bloom on Wesley Poised to Elevate Lutwyche as a Top Lifestyle District

A row of luxury apartments is set to rise on a premier location in Lutwyche. Dubbed Bloom on Wesley, the six-storey boutique residence from developer Raise Project has been attracting interest for its desirable dwelling space for astute homeowners. 

Here are three reasons why this residential property is expected to elevate the suburb into a top lifestyle district.

Location, Location, Location

Located at the heart of Lutwyche, Bloom on Wesley at 17-21 Wesley Street is a walking distance from the Lutwyche City Shopping Centre, which is currently undergoing a redevelopment to increase its retail spaces and dining hubs. The residential site is also close to several establishments, such as the  Royal Brisbane and Women’s Hospital, three supermarkets, cinemas, the QUT University, and public or private schools. 

Bloom on Wesley has easy access to the Airport Link motorway and public transport that can take locals across major roads in and around the north of Brisbane.  It is also just 5.4 kilometres from Brisbane’s central business district. 



Quality of Living Space 

As a premier lifestyle space, Bloom on Wesley will have six levels of 36 spacious apartment dwellings. Residents have the option to own a two-bedroom space with study, a three-bedroom apartment with study, a three-bedroom with a multi-purpose room, and a penthouse.

The boutique apartment site boasts resort-style amenities, including a substantial car park, gymnasium, a pool with infinity edge, a recreational area and a heated rooftop.

Photo Credit: Supplied

“Our design team has incorporated the latest in architectural innovation and smart technology to deliver on our promise of developing contemporary living spaces that are sophisticated and sustainable,” Managing Director of Raise Projects Ramy Raymond said.

“The crowning jewel is the rooftop pool and entertaining area that gives residents an incredible entertaining space.”



Delivering the Demand

In the last few years, Lutwyche, one of Brisbane north’s oldest historic suburbs, has been transforming at a remarkable pace to become an emerging ideal location for downsizers and families who love the conveniences of urban living. 

Lutwyche’s rich history combined with modern conveniences and infrastructure has made this suburban site such an attractive place that there has been a strong demand for spacious but competitively-priced apartments from buyers, such as apartment buildings like Bloom on Wesley. 

About 48 percent of the suburb’s dwelling supply now consists of apartments or townhouses with lots of green spaces and connectivity. This change has brought on positive gains for Lutwyche, especially now that many residents want to just be able to walk around their neighbourhood for anything they need. 

Boutique Residential Building Offering Spacious Apartments To Rise in Lutwyche

A new five-star six-storey residential development is coming to Lutwyche,  consisting of 36 oversized luxurious apartments boasting of elevated city views.

Raise Projects has launched Bloom on Wesley, located at 17-21 Wesley Street in Lutwyche. The boutique apartment building will be comprised of 36 large 3-bedroom with multi-purpose room, three-bedroom plus study, and 2-bedroom plus study apartment units over six levels. 

“Bloom on Wesley is defined by architectural excellence and classy amenities. An unparalleled residential masterpiece to be built and developed by Raise Projects, Bloom on Wesley is boutique and glamorous,” Bloom on Wesley by Raise Projects website said.

There has been a rise in demand for spacious apartments in established suburbs such as Lutwyche, the developers said, and Bloom on Wesley, with its large and competitively-priced apartments, sits right where the action is.

The apartment units will be up to 159sqm available in a variety of floor plans and  boasting of modern open-plan living areas and entertainer’s balconies or courtyards of up to 66sqm. The development also features resort-style amenities like a rooftop infinity pool, gymnasium, BBQ and recreational area.

“Ample natural light brings to life uniquely oversized floor plans which are perfectly complemented by premium building finishes, high-end European appliances, stone island bench tops and timber flooring.”

Bloom on Wesley is situated 5.4km from the CBD and just 350m from the Lutwyche City Shopping Centre. 

Prices start at $495,000 for two-bedroom units and at $645,000 for three-bedroom apartment units.

Raise Projects is yet to announce the construction details and expected completion date of Bloom on Wesley.



Cat Cuddle Cafe’s Twilight Market and Garage Sale at Lutwyche Road Back by Popular Demand

Here’s a purrfect event for cat lovers in Kedron and nearby communities! The Cat Cuddle Cafe at Lutwyche Road is bringing back its popular Twilight Market and Garage Sale.

Set for Friday, the 31st of May 2019, the spacious car park at the back of the cafe will be filled with stalls from rescue groups and sellers with affordable items you would not normally find elsewhere.



The shops will open from 5:30 p.m. until 8:30 p.m. Most of the sellers will share part of their profits to support animal rescue groups.

Phtos Credit: Cat Cuddle Cafe Brisbane/Facebook
Phtos Credit: Cat Cuddle Cafe Brisbane/Facebook

However, aside from the bargains, Cat Cuddle Cafe’s Twilight Market and Garage Sale will pup a special speed patting session where guests may spend 20 minutes with the cats. Booking is required for this activity which costs $5.



While the market is ongoing, Cat Cuddle Cafe, which usually closes at 6:00 p.m, will continue to operate until there are customers at the carpark.

Photo Credit: Cat Cuddle Cafe Brisbane/Facebook

High-End Apartment-Style Retirement Community to Rise in Lutwyche

Retirees who wish to downsize without compromise will soon have the option to live in a high-end apartment-style retirement community in Lutwyche.

Named Fancutts Retirement Living, the retirement development aims to offer seniors a vibrant environment with the lifestyle facilities they desire. It is the first apartment type project of RetireAustralia in Queensland.

The project will be built on the Fancutts Tennis Centre site at 39 Laura Street. Under the plan, there will be a rich line-up of recreational facilities, including a rooftop sky deck, a café and restaurant, a sports bar, and wellness hub. There will also be a private resident dining room and wine cellar for entertaining guests on special occasions.

Fancutts retirement Lutwyche
Photo credit: fancutts.com.au



Residents will also be provided with walking tracks for those who want to do regular casual walks. Those looking for a more rigorous workout can use the purpose-built senior’s outdoor exercise equipment.

The sky roof will be a communal space where seniors can enjoy a BBQ whilst taking in panoramic views of the city.

RetireAustralia revealed that Fancutts is its first apartment-type retirement development in Brisbane. This project will set the standard for the developer’s future villages, catering to lifestyle and independent living for seniors.

Find out more about Fancutts Retirement Living.