New building heights and increased communal space are the latest updates incorporated into an inner city precinct spanning an area half the size of Brisbane’s CBD.
Pegged as a priority development area by state government, the planning scheme provides for the long-term growth of around 23,000 new homes and one million square metres of commercial, retail and industrial floor space in Bowen Hills.
Under the revised development scheme, new residential developments will now provide 10 per cent of floor area with three or more bedroom dwellings, in a move to accommodate the growing number of families living in apartments.
State development minister Cameron Dick said the scheme responds to “trends in the Australian property market”.
“Providing choice for families who want to live close to jobs and public services including the new Fortitude Valley State Secondary College,” he said.
“ABS data shows up to 15.5 per cent of apartment dwellers are families with one or more children in the greater Brisbane area.”
New developments in the PDA will also be required to achieve best practice sustainability accreditation, Dick outlined.
“Communal spaces up to 80 per cent of a new development’s site area will also be a requirement for all new residential development applications within the PDA so that residents have ready access to quality facilities and outdoor areas within their own buildings.”
Landmarks within the PDA, located three kilometres from Brisbane CBD, include the Brisbane Showgrounds, the Old Museum, Perry Park, Bowen Park, the Exhibition Railway Station, and the Bowen Hills Railway Station.
The original development scheme, now 10 years old was also updated to reflect new building heights in precincts with existing approvals, while new walkways, cycleways and parks are incorporated.
Public spaces will be coupled with retail high streets, ground-level businesses and “a lively entertainment district” for residents and visitors.
Spanning 108 hectares of land in Brisbane’s inner-northern suburb, the priority development area is boarded by Bowen Bridge Road and Enoggera Creek to the west, Mayne Rail Yards and Breakfast Creek to the north, Water Street and St Pauls Terrace to the south, Breakfast Creek, Cintra Road and Markwell Street to the east.
