Approved: 15-Storey Apartment Tower Next to Heritage-Listed Shafston House

Shafston House

A controversial 15-level luxury apartment tower next to the heritage-listed Shafston House has been approved after development plans were suitably revised.



The approval follows a State Assessment and Referral Agency (SARA) decision in January 2023, giving the proposed development the green light after the developer revised its plans. The Burgundy Group proposes a 15-storey tower comprising 37 luxury three- and four-bedroom apartment units on the grounds of the home at 23 Castlebar Street in Kangaroo Point.

Approved: 15-Storey Apartment Tower Next to Heritage-Listed Shafston House
Photo credit:  Brisbane City Council / developmenti.brisbane.qld.gov.au/

The State Assessment and Referral Agency initially told the developers to amend its original plans and reconsider the location, scale, bulk, form and architectural details of the proposed tower that they want to build next to the heritage house, among other reasons.

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According to the revised plans, the proposed apartment building will be located further from the heritage-listed Shafston House and the height reduced by 5.3 metres as well as the use of a lighter colour scheme. 

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The two riverside homes on the northern edge of the site have been scrapped whilst the two terrace homes on the southern edge have been reduced in scale.

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Shafston House
Photo credit:  Brisbane City Council / developmenti.brisbane.qld.gov.au/

Shafston House

Initially built in 1851 by Rev Robert Creyke, the heritage-listed Shafston House is one of the oldest homes in Brisbane. From being a private residence, the site became an Anzac Hostel (1919-69) and also served as an accommodation for the Royal Australian Air Force (1969-87) before it was redeveloped as part of the Shafston International College (1995-96). The single-storey cottage had several owners and had also undergone several stages of construction, renovations and extension.  

The proposal attracted 200 submissions with a majority opposing the plans due to several issues including its impact on traffic, loss of community open green space, overshadowing of neighbouring buildings, and that it is undermining the heritage importance of Shafston House.

Published 28-March-2023