Backpackers Redevelopment Greenlit for High-End ‘Atelier’

A plan to demolish the Brisbane Backpackers at Vulture Street in West End and redevelop it as a boutique low-density apartment development has been approved by the Brisbane City Council.

Pyco Group’s Atelier development will reinvigorate the constrained site with 36 three-bedroom two-floor apartments that “celebrate West End’s vibrant eclectic charm”, according to director Lachlan Cottee. 

“Atelier at West End is designed to give buyers the opportunity to purchase a home with all the features that are symbolic of the quintessential West End low-density housing market,” Cottee said. 
 
“[It will feature] a creative palette of terracotta and green feature tiles, terrazzo flooring and bronze fixtures. The project will offer the double-height, split-level floorplan targeted at owner-occupiers who want the lifestyle of a great inner-city location and luxury of a high-end home.”

The development centres around a large central atrium, green walls and productive rooftop gardens to create a more sustainable lifestyle for residents but Cottee said there were some design constraints to contend with. 

“Many other developers overlooked the opportunity due to its constraints but we knew we could deliver something unique,” he said.

▲ Pyco Group director Lachlan Cottee said the apartments had been orientated to capitalise on views to Musgrave Park.

“The design response was formed partly around limiting the density, the opposite of what most developers do, to ensure the parking could be accommodated on a single plate at grade. This meant we looked at things from a different perspective.

“We also had a protected view corridor north-east towards the city over Musgrave Park so we shifted the design to ensure as many units received this outlook as possible.”

The two-floor apartments were designed by DAH Architecture owner David Hansford, who also drew up the plans for their latest project Nouveau at Albion. 

Pyco Group is also putting the final touches on The Bailey also at West End, which Cottee said he was expecting to reach practical completion in the next few weeks, clearing the way for a construction program for Nouveau at Albion after hitting their presales target. 

Cottee said they hoped to launch Atelier to market early next year with a view to starting construction mid-2023 with prices somewhere from $1.65 million to $2.5 million. 
 
The developer is finalising its application for a six-residence development in Freshwater in Sydney and is also on the hunt for its next site in Brisbane.