Ugly Duckling to Swan: Newstead Office Revamp Filed

An inner-city Brisbane commercial building is earmarked for redevelopment as more landlords reset assets amid a flight to quality and the impact of hybrid working trends.

Under the plans, two existing tenancies that share a common wall and basement would be partially demolished, and a major facelift and extension undertaken.

Overall, the development proposal for the 1362sq m site at 54-56 Doggett Street, Newstead comprises an increase in height from two to four storeys, expanding the gross floor area from 1151sq m to 3500sq m.

As well, it would include improved facade treatments and street presentation, extensive landscaping, new arrival lobbies, end-of-trip facilities and a basement extension to accommodate additional car and bicycle parking spaces.

The development application has been lodged with the Brisbane City Council by an entity linked to Marianna Van Der Walt, owner of the property—only a few blocks from the upmarket James Street retail and entertainment precinct.

Neighbouring the mixed-use zoned site is the 3-4-storey Australian Federal Police office building at 58 Doggett Street.

“The proposal will deliver much needed refurbishment of an existing commercial building within Newstead which is losing appeal among potential tenants as new commercial spaces are constructed nearby,” a planning assessment report supporting the application said.

“The refurbishment is a sustainable outcome that will allow the existing building to be upgraded to meet modern commercial building standards. 

“The development proposes to revitalise the existing commercial tenancy on the site so that it may better respond to the expectations for modern commercial spaces, extending the lifespan of the building to meet its maximum utility.”

Its proposed addition of two levels—increasing the building height from 8.2m to 15.5m—complied with the site’s six-storey maximum height limit, the report said.

Before and after: Newstead office transformed

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The scheme by Empire Design and Drafting, extending the building towards Doggett Street, would “enhance the amenities accessible to both employees and visitors”.

“The proposed development will revive an existing commercial building in Newstead, allowing it to become a contemporary and appealing space for commercial tenants, aligning with current expectations of employees and customers … and prolonging its lifespan,” the application said.

“The proposal will provide high amenity for occupants and significantly enhance the visual appeal of the building to Doggett Street … [with] a high-quality architectural design, including a range of materials and finishes as well as articulation of the facades, to present a visually interesting built form.

“Generous landscaping has been incorporated along the frontage to soften the appearance of the building and to better align with subtropical design principles.

“Garden planters have been incorporated into the facade design to provide greening of the building, which creates an appealing cascading effect over the street facing balcony areas.”

Seven additional basement carparking spaces and 21 new bicycle spaces are proposed. And according to the application, the refurbished building would “significantly improve the ability for employees and customers to choose active transport opportunities to travel to the site, encouraging lower car usage”.