The proposal to build a 15-storey complex on the site of a heritage home in Kangaroo Point is getting a host of criticisms, but the owner is fully defending the planned development.
Chris Snape, owner of heritage home Thornclyffe, wants to construct a 42-unit structure around the 1880s home. He explained that the development will protect the heritage home because it will become a focal point of the proposed complex.
Based on the submitted plans, the heritage house will serve as a common area for the residents of the residential building. The body corporate would be in charge to keep it intact and protected.
The Victorian-style heritage house was listed on the local heritage register for representing the appeal of the area for upper and middle class residents during the 1880s.
Mr Snape said that it became difficult to sell the property as nobody wanted to purchase a heritage residence with high-rise building around it. He thinks that the area is suitable for a high-density development and pursuing that plan would enhance the area and protected home as well.
In the plans sent to Brisbane City Council, original portions of the house will be kept intact, but the perimeter wall will be removed to open it up to the streets.
The planned development garnered 44 oppositions from the community. Jonathan Sri, Councillor for The Gabba, voiced out his concerns about the proposal, stating that it breaches the 10-storey limit set for the neighbourhood. He believes approval of such a proposal is not in line with the neighbourhood plan and does not meet the community’s expectations.
Cr Sri shared the letter he wrote to the Development Assessment team on this Facebook post.
