Pellicano Plots Fortitude Valley, Woolloongabba BtR Towers

Private developer Pellicano is clearing the way for three towers in Brisbane, filing build-to-rent plans for either side of the river.

The most recent is a 35-storey tower of 440 apartments proposed for 148 Logan Road, Woolloongabba and filed via the State Facilitated Development application process.

The other is a site on the corner of Water and Brunswick streets, Fortitude Valley comprising two towers for 477 apartments as Pellicano takes over the project from Metro Property Group.

The Gabba tower is on the last undeveloped parcel owned by the Pellicano-Perri Projects joint venture in the masterplanned South City Square project.

The build-to-rent proposal includes 95 affordable homes as well as a multi-level wellness centre within the podium.

There are also 349 parking spaces across five basement levels. Alresdy completed on the site are stages 1 to 5 that include a supermarket, hotel, bars, cinema and apartments.

▲ A render of the build-to-rent tower designed by MAS architects proposed for the Woolloongabba South City Square development.

The Property Projects Australia town planning report details Pellicano’s track record of the past 50 years, noting the build-to-rent model started in the 1970s.

“Pellicano Living currently owns and manages eight properties along the eastern seaboard, including the completed stages 1-5 of the South City Square precinct,” the report said.

“This development comprises approximately 700 residential units, delivering industry leading, adaptable living solutions for over 1400 residents. 

“More broadly, Pellicano has been involved in the delivery of over 2500 residential dwellings nationally and their current future pipeline of residential BtR projects will realise in excess of a further 2000 dwellings.”

▲ Render of the double towers planned for the Fortitude Valley site.

Pellicano’s Fortitude Valley application is to change up previously approved plans at 332-334 Water Street and 20A Trinity Street.

The original Priory Development Assessable plan was for two buildings of 31 and 22-storeys and comprising apartments, office, food, gym and market that date from 2015.

That application was by Metro Property Development led by David Devine, Kenneth Woodley and Luke Hartman who had completed two towers within the precinct previously.

The Wood-Bagot designed scheme for Pellicano is for two buildings of 30 and 31-storeys atop three levels of podium.

There is a laneway planned for between the buildings to a village green with a pool, cafe and common areas.

▲ The site has had three extensions for approved plans delayed by the pandemic.

The towers would include  would477 apartments and 2793sq m of commercial and retail as well as four levels of basement parking with 407 spaces.

“The previous approval granted over the site overlooked the strategic potential of the landholding as an entryway to Fortitude Valley and was largely characterised by uninspired blank facades and limited architectural impact,” the planning report said.

“The [new] design approach has been driven by the intent to reimagine Fortitude Valley’s industrial past.

“That celebrates Fortitude Valley’s unique industrial heritage and creative identity while pairing this with the traditional timber and tin type dwelling house character that predominates in the surrounding precinct.”

The sire comprises nine lots next to Metro’s Central Village development.