Joe Adsett Proposes $250m Brisbane Riverfront Tower

Architect-developer Joe Adsett has revealed plans for a $250-million residential tower fronting a prominent bend in the Brisbane River.

The 23-storey proposal would rise from a 1430sq m site at 2-6 Lang Parade and 355 Coronation Drive, Auchenflower, in the city’s inner-west.

To be known as Bloom, it takes its design inspiration from the suburb’s name, derived from a Scottish term meaning “a field of flowers”.

“This idea of a ‘field of flowers’ is reinterpreted vertically through layered facades, undulating balcony edges and integrated planting, creating a building that appears to grow from the landscape rather than sit upon it,” a statement from the developer said.

“Vertical greenery woven through the facade softens the tower’s scale while introducing rhythm, depth and permeability across its height.”

Overall, the proposed tower would comprise a mix of 90 two and three-bedroom apartments across 18 levels above basement parking for 158 resident and 14 visitor vehicles across four levels plus the ground floor.

Capping the development, rooftop communal open space and resident amenities spanning 624sq m would include a pool, private dining room, cinema, hot and cold spas, sauna, steam room, barbecue facilities and landscaped seating areas.

Additionally, a publicly accessible corner garden and land dedication, improving cycle connectivity to the riverside Bicentennial Bikeway, have been incorporated into the plans to reinforce “a sense of arrival” to the suburb’s Dunmore residential precinct.

▲ Renderings of the 23-storey residential tower proposed for 355 Coronation Drive, Auchenflower.

According to a town planning report prepared by Mewing Planning Consultants, the site is identified under the Toowong-Auchenflower Neighbourhood Plan as “a landmark site, which seeks to accommodate buildings or developments that attain citywide prominence through a combination of notable architectural excellence, siting and location.

“As a consequence … the project vision is to harness the essence of Auchenflower, service the strategic active and public transport position, provide a meaningful public realm outcome at the corner of Lang Parade and Coronation Drive and provide a landmark built form outcome and subtropical exemplar that is visible and celebrated for its uniquely local Brisbane response,” the report said.

If approved, the proposed development would replace a three-storey unit block and single-level home.

Bloom’s sculptural facade with integrated landscaping reflects a signature element of Adsett’s residential projects that harks back to his collaboration with developer Graya on New Farm’s Maison development.

“Our work has always focused on landmark sites and expressive facades, and Bloom continues that legacy—shaping architecture as a sculptural, site-led response that adds depth to Brisbane’s skyline,” he said.

▲ A rendering of the sculptural facade of the residential tower proposed for the landmark site along the Brisbane River.

The sculptural architectural expression of Adsett’s latest project is noted in a submitted design statement as “reinforcing the evolving urban character of Brisbane’s inner west”.

“Positioned at a highly visible and prominent corner opposite the Brisbane River … the architectural response embraces this prominence, with a distinctive form and elevated design quality that signals arrival along the river corridor while contributing a strong visual marker to Brisbane’s evolving skyline,” it said.

Adsett’s latest proposal before the Brisbane City Council follows the architect-developer’s successful settlement of its $110-million Rockpool project at Rainbow Bay on the southern Gold Coast, which included two full-floor apartments that sold off-the-plan for more than $13 million.

Construction is soon to begin on two more major projects on its books—the $128 million Amari Toowong and $62-million Arcilla New Farm.