Kangaroo Point Locals Oppose O’Connell St Development

An application for a 14-storey building on O’Connell St in Kangaroo Point has received a number of submissions from residents concerned about traffic congestion and over-development.


Read: Digital Transformation of Queen’s Wharf Brisbane Now Underway


Located at 44 O’Connell St in Kangaroo Point, the site contains a residential apartment that was built in the 1960s, which will be removed to facilitate the development. 

Level 1 Plans (Photo credit: Brisbane City Council)

Plans (A005871704) submitted by the developer revealed they are seeking to establish multiple dwellings with a rooftop terrace that will have a swimming pool, lounge area, entertainment/dining area, landscape planters, and lift wells and stairs. 

The proposed $80-million building, though only 14 storeys in height, will have a maximum building height of 15 storeys. Each floor will have a combination of three-bedroom and four-bedroom apartments whilst the basement will provide 39 car parks and three visitor car park spaces. 

Plans for rooftop terrace (Photo credit: Brisbane City Council)

Locals’ concerns

Nearby residents have already expressed their concerns regarding the potential traffic problems it could create. Because the building has a battle-axe shape and would stand around 15 storeys tall, it would require residents dealing with up to seven sets of traffic lights from the front gate to the car park.

A series of traffic lights that will control car movements will also be essential for a vehicle to enter or exit the car park. 

One resident, in particular, mentioned that it could bring traffic chaos to the area. Based on the development application, pedestrian access will be via O’Connell Street, providing ground floor access to the tower.

In response to the concerns of residents, developers said there will be no problem regarding access to the property and that they met all the requirements for the proposed development. 

“The development is consistent with the anticipated density and assumed infrastructure demand. The proposal represents a high density development outcome, consistent with the intent of the zone,” Mewing Planning Consultants stated in a planning report.