Finding a parking when visiting friends in Kangaroo Point might soon get a little harder, as a local high-rise development changes its plans to include more homes and fewer guest spaces.
The building project, located at 99 Thorn Street, was already approved by the local council, but the developers recently lodged a new application to change the design. The updated plans by Plazibat Architects will increase the high-rise from 12 to 15 storeys. This extra height allows the developers to fit in 56 residential units in total, bringing a dozen new families into the riverfront suburb.
Parking and Shared Spaces
With more people living in the building, the developers are digging an additional basement level. The number of car spaces for residents will increase to 118, while the bicycle parking area is also being expanded to encourage active transport. However, visiting family and friends might struggle to find a spot. The new plans reduce the visitor parking to just five spaces, which falls below the standard requirements for a building of this size.
Along with the parking changes, the building will see a minor increase in its overall footprint on the site. The rooftop area, designed as a shared space for neighbours to gather, is also getting a fresh layout to better serve the growing number of residents.
Fitting into the Neighbourhood
Town planners at RPS Group, who are working on the project, argue that the property was originally zoned to handle 15-storey buildings. They note that the location is perfectly suited for the extra apartments because it sits close to local services, shops, and public transport. The planners also pointed out that the local council has already approved other nearby apartment towers at heights of 20 storeys or more, meaning a 15-storey building easily fits into the modern Kangaroo Point skyline.
A Lighter Look
Adding more floors can sometimes make a building look heavy and block out the sky. To prevent this, the architects have completely rethought the outside of the upper levels. Planners stated that the design team removed older structural features, like a heavy trellis, and replaced them with extra glass. They explained that this large amount of glazing is meant to give the top of the tower a much lighter and more open feel, reducing the visual bulk as the building reaches its roof.
Published Date 08-June-2026
