Plans to restore and adaptively reuse Brisbane’s historic Shafston House alongside the development of a high-rise residential apartment building have sparked a range of community reactions.
Read: Development Plans Envision 28-Storey Tower Beside Shafston House
The proposal includes significant changes to the site, such as increasing the height of the previously approved 15-storey building to 28 storeys (25 residential levels) and creating 48 exclusive residences.
Concerns About Height and Heritage
Some residents have expressed concerns about the substantial increase in height, arguing that the new building would overshadow the site and impact the riverfront aesthetic. One resident noted, “The view of the precinct from the river will be overshadowed by the proposed development and detract significantly from the extant aesthetics attributed to the open space; one of the few remaining along the river.”
Others fear that the project could undermine the heritage value of Shafston House, which is listed on the Queensland Heritage Register. Constructed in 1851 and associated with several prominent Queensland figures, Shafston House holds significant historical and cultural value.
Critics argue that the ancillary buildings and surrounding precinct, although not individually protected, contribute to the overall historical importance of the site.
“There should be a proper Brisbane-wide consultation process,” another resident suggested, calling for broader community engagement to determine the future of the site.
Developers Emphasize Preservation
The developers have defended their proposal, emphasising their commitment to preserving and restoring Shafston House. They argue that the adaptive reuse of the house for communal facilities, such as a resident lounge, library, and office spaces, will ensure its long-term conservation.
“The revised proposal will preserve, enrich, and reactivate one of the oldest riverine estates in Brisbane, allowing for it to be enjoyed for many generations to come,” the developers stated in their planning documents. They further noted that distributing the upkeep costs across all future property owners would alleviate the financial burden of maintaining the heritage-listed property.
The accompanying heritage report claims that the proposed changes to Shafston House itself are minimal and aim to maintain its original floor plan and external appearance.
Key Development Details
The proposed development includes 2,986 square meters of communal open space and plans for 113 residential car parking spaces, 13 visitor spaces, and 70 bicycle spaces (56 for residents and 14 for visitors). A new private marina with six berths is also part of the proposal.
The project aims to restore and adaptively reuse Shafston House by converting it into communal facilities, including a resident lounge, library, kitchenette, bar, office spaces, and accessible bathrooms.
The project is planned in two stages: the creation of the residential dwellings followed by the demolition of the existing pontoon and construction of the new marina.
About the Shafston House
In 1851, Reverend Robert Creyke built Shafston House as a modest single-storey cottage. Over the years, the building evolved, with new owners modifying the original structure.
It served as a private home, an Anzac Hostel (1919–1969), RAAF accommodation (1969–1987), and finally Shafston International College from the mid-1990s. In 2005, Shafston House was added to the Queensland Heritage Register.
Community Feedback and Next Steps
The proposal is now under review, with feedback from residents, heritage groups, and other stakeholders shaping the decision-making process. Many residents have called for a more inclusive consultation process involving the Council or the State Government to ensure the project aligns with community expectations and preserves the heritage of Shafston House.
Read: Approved: 15-Storey Apartment Tower Next to Heritage-Listed Shafston House
The outcome of the proposal remains uncertain, as it seeks to balance the restoration of one of Brisbane’s most iconic heritage sites with modern urban development.
Published 6-January-2025
