Fortis, a Sydney-based development company, is pushing forward with its Queensland expansion by revealing plans for a riverfront apartment tower in Kangaroo Point.
The proposed $100 million tower comprises three levels above a 1,197 sqm site at 44 O’Connell Street, which Fortis acquired from Joe Adsett earlier this year. The site has been at the centre of a controversy as Adsett’s plans for a 15-storey, 14-apartment tower were initially approved in October 2021 but were later revoked due to legal proceedings questioning the council’s decision.
In late May 2023, Fortis lodged its application seeking approval for a similar-sized residential tower. The proposed tower would consist of four basement levels, a ground-floor lobby and a tiered communal recreation area.
There will be 14 three-bedroom apartments, including a penthouse that will feature a private rooftop terrace and pool. The base would feature indoor and outdoor resort-style amenities such as a lap pool, leisure deck, wellness retreat, and landscaped areas.
According to the submitted planning report, the proposed building height and site cover meet the required standards. The report also highlighted that setbacks and building separation would exceed the dimensions of the previous approval.
The Plus Architect-designed tower pays tribute to the natural beauty and earthy tones of the Kangaroo Point cliffs while adding a dynamic element to the skyline. The design statement emphasised the connection to the river and the surrounding environment.
Moreover, the O’Connell Tower aims to provide panoramic views of the New Farm area and the Brisbane River, creating a strong connection to nature and a luxurious riverside lifestyle.
“The building’s design is heavily influenced by the site configuration and surrounding context. It is orientated to address the Brisbane River which offers significant amenity and views, provides for future connection to the riverwalk and the existing jetty and is suitably separated from adjoining development to ensure that light and air penetration as well as privacy is maintained,” the Ethos Urban planning report states.
“The design also draws on its surrounding environment with the tower’s strength and form replicating the terrestrial makeup of its context as Kangaroo Point including paying homage to the natural beauty and earthy tones of the Kangaroo Point cliffs.”
A total of 46 car parking spaces across three basement levels are proposed as well. The car parking space comprises 43 resident car parking and 3 visitor spaces. Additionally, the plans propose vehicle and pedestrian access to the site through the existing single lane cross over and driveway situated along O’Connell Street to the west.
Published 17-June-2023
