Brisbane’s Changing Landscape: Homes, No Parking & Toombul Revival
Brisbane’s urban landscape is undergoing significant shifts, according to recent development proposals and council decisions highlighted by THE Brisbane Channel.
A reimagined Toombul shopping centre could soon rise from the ashes of its predecessor. Developer Irvine has submitted plans for a mixed-use precinct encompassing retail spaces, homes, hotels, public parks, and dining areas alongside Kedron Brook. The proposal incorporates flood mitigation measures, raising developed areas and utilising parkland to manage water flow following the 2022 floods.
Further into the city centre, plans for the Wintergarden and Regent precinct envision a significant transformation, adding 290 apartments, a 240-room hotel, and an office tower with rebuilt retail space. A new pedestrian link, Regent Lane, will connect Queen and Elizabeth Streets, while a publicly accessible rooftop garden promises restaurants, bars, and gathering spaces.
Perhaps the most striking development is a newly approved apartment complex in Milton, featuring 397 build-to-rent apartments with no resident car parking. Instead, nearly 500 bicycle spaces will be provided, reflecting growing support for sustainable transport options near major public transit links like Milton Station and the Bicentennial Bikeway. Concerns have been raised by local residents about potential overflow of non-resident vehicles onto surrounding streets.
Brisbane's rental market remains tight, although growth has paused for houses after 15 months of increases. Domain’s September Quarter Report indicates a median asking rent of $700 per week for houses and $660 for units - still at record levels compared to previous years but demonstrating some stabilisation.
Logan City Council recently voted to halve infrastructure charges for one-bedroom granny flats, aiming to make additional housing options more accessible. However, the decision has sparked debate about potential investor exploitation and increased density in established residential areas.
Finally, Brisbane Channel notes ongoing inquiries into Victim Assist funding and One Nation's proposed headquarters.
Frequently Asked Questions
While plans are in place, a specific opening date hasn't been announced. The approval process will unfold in stages with detailed designs and further assessments to follow.
The development aligns with Brisbane City Council’s initiatives to encourage sustainable transport, particularly in areas well-served by public transit. Residents will primarily rely on alternatives like cycling and walking.
Finding a rental remains challenging due to a low vacancy rate of just 0.7%, although the pace of rent increases has slowed recently.