A massive new neighbourhood project featuring nearly a thousand homes, a hotel, and vast public parks is set to transform a major intersection in Woolloongabba into a bustling community hub.
A New Look for the Local Area
The proposed Mark Lane development targets a large 1.27-hectare site where Woolloongabba, Kangaroo Point, and East Brisbane meet. Designed by architectural firm Woods Bagot, the project features three distinct towers sitting on top of a shared, landscaped base.
The designers drew inspiration from traditional Queensland timber screens and the natural colours of the nearby Kangaroo Point cliffs. By including extensive subtropical plant life and rooftop gardens, the builders hope to create a green destination for locals and visitors alike.
Housing and Accommodation
If the local council approves the plans, the precinct will provide a significant boost to local housing. The plans detail 953 new residential apartments spread across two main high-rises. The tallest building, Tower 1, reaches 50 storeys and contains 683 apartments ranging from one to three bedrooms. Tower 2 stands at 34 storeys and holds 270 apartments, including larger four-bedroom options for families.
A third, 11-storey tower is dedicated entirely to short-term accommodation, offering approximately 177 hotel rooms ranging from standard suites to premium spaces.
Focus on Public Spaces
A major focus of the design is how it serves the surrounding community. The ground level features more than 2,600 square metres of privately owned space that the public can use freely. This includes the new Mark Lane Courtyard, a large community square, and a landscaped walking path called the Ant Trail. These areas will connect the property to Main Street and Vulture Street.
The lower levels will also feature retail shops, dining spots, bars, office spaces, a new childcare centre, and a dedicated community facility that could potentially serve as a local library. To support the influx of people, the site includes parking for over a thousand cars and roughly 1,200 bicycles.
Planning and Future Stages
Because of its massive size, the construction will happen in stages. The first stage focuses on the underground parking, the shared base, Tower 1, the childcare centre, and the primary public squares. Later stages will bring the second residential building, the hotel, and further retail spaces.
Planners from Urbis noted that the layout deliberately aims to improve foot traffic between the future Cross River Rail Station, the local sporting arena, and the Kangaroo Point cliffs. They also stated that the current design is the result of two years of talks with state developers to ensure the area has good street-level activity, respects cultural history, and provides safe walking routes for residents.
Published Date 17-June-2026
