Stockwell Archives - West End Today

Stockwell Proposes Sixteen-Storey Apartment Building for West End

Brisbane developer Stockwell has lodged plans for a substantial 16-storey building in West End, aiming to add 132 new apartments to the riverside suburb.

The proposal outlines a mixed-use development at 33 Vulture Street, the former location of the Queensland Can Factory. It includes over 600 square metres of space intended for shops and businesses facing Vulture Street. Property records indicate the 3321-square-metre site was purchased in January last year for $19 million.

Development Details

Stockwell — *Photo Credit:* *DA A006760664*

Architecture firm Mode has designed the project to feature a mix of two, three, and four-bedroom units spread across 13 levels, positioned above a three-level base. A key design element involves keeping the old Queensland Can Factory’s original brick walls, built in the 1920s, along Paris and Turin streets.

These historic fronts will cover the parking levels within the building’s base. Planning documents suggest that the buildings around the site are mostly character homes, and the heritage-listed West End State School is directly opposite. The report highlights an opportunity to respect and improve the area’s feel.

Community Spaces and Amenities

The development plans include 1184 square metres of shared open space for residents. The top of the building is designed as a recreation area with a pool and deck, a spa, a sauna, a gym, barbecue spots, outdoor eating areas, a community garden, and a function room that can be booked.

Additionally, the top of the base structure will feature trees, seating, a herb garden for residents, and an enclosed area for dogs. Below these areas, there will be 199 parking spaces spread over three levels.

Planning Considerations

According to the planning report, while the proposed height of the tower is taller than the usual eight-storey limit for the area, it is argued that the building’s size and overall impact are suitable in this case. The report mentions that a large piece of land at 36-38 Vulture Street, which was zoned for high-density residential development up to 15 storeys, has recently been used to expand West End State School and the West End police station.

The planning report suggests that this new development on the subject site will help compensate for some of the housing that could have been built on the land now used for community services. Stockwell’s website states that they have already invested over $590 million in the West End community, delivering more than 700 apartments.

Key Features

The submitted development application details two levels of retail space along Vulture Street, providing eight separate shop areas. The design aims to maximise views and landscaping in the rooftop and base recreation areas, separating different activities for residents.

The rooftop will include a 16.7-metre pool and spa, while the podium level will host the dog park and herb garden. Stockwell believes this project will contribute positively to the West End area.

Published Date 13-May-2025

West End’s Future: Skyscrapers Rising Above the Floodplain

West End is an area of striking contrasts—historic charm meets rapid urban growth, all set against the backdrop of one undeniable reality: it is a floodplain. Yet, despite its vulnerability, the demand for inner-city living continues to fuel high-rise developments in the area.

Read: West End’s Skyline Evolves: Inside the Suburb’s Latest Construction Boom

Former Olympian and managing director of renowned firm Stockwell, Mark Stockwell, acknowledged that while West End’s flood risks are significant, innovative urban planning and resilient design can make living in the area safer.

He emphasised the importance of recognising Brisbane’s floodplain status and implementing strategic plans to ensure new buildings can withstand potential flooding. Mr Stockwell believes developers are now making smarter and safer choices when constructing in flood-prone areas.

Learning from the Past, Building for the Future

Photo credit: Brisbane Flood Awareness Map

West End has been hit hard by past floods, particularly in 2011 and 2022, when the Brisbane River surged into streets and homes. Mr Stockwell himself has had to retrofit older buildings, adding floodgates and relocating critical infrastructure like transformers and substations to higher ground.

New high-rise developments in the area are incorporating lessons learned from these disasters. Three 50-storey skyscrapers have been proposed on the site of an old concrete factory on notorious Nott Street.

Artist’s impression for Nott St (Photo credit: Brisbane PD Online/ A006677654)

The plans include 370 residential units built above the highest recorded Brisbane River flood level, factoring in climate change projections for the next 75 years. The design also reserves 75 per cent of the site as green space, which can absorb excess water during extreme weather events.

Floodplain — Photo credit: Brisbane PD Online/ A006677654

Retail spaces on the ground floors of these buildings are being designed for resilience. Unlike traditional units, businesses such as coffee shops and dog groomers occupy these lower levels, with power and water connections placed high to allow for quick evacuation before floodwaters arrive. Once the water recedes, the spaces can be easily hosed down and reopened.

Mr Stockwell noted that infrastructure changes have been necessary, including relocating transformers and substations from basements to higher levels and securing sewer lids to prevent backups.

The Height Advantage

One major shift in development thinking is the move to elevate residential units. Mr Stockwell observes that while older buildings once had residences starting at street level, today’s designs place the first living floors at what would have been the third storey in previous constructions. Essential utilities, like air-conditioning and power plants, are now positioned on rooftops instead of vulnerable basements.

A City-Wide Dilemma

Brisbane has plans for 10,000 additional homes in West End, catering to growing demand. Build-to-rent and luxury living options are at the heart of this expansion, particularly for young professionals seeking an urban lifestyle. However, the question remains: can the city balance housing needs with flood safety?

Developments must integrate flood safety measures, including floodgates, pumps, and real-time flood alerts, ensuring that residents are prepared for potential emergencies.

Read: Prime West End Riverfront Site Sold for $50M

A New Era of Flood-Resilient Living

Despite the risks, West End is evolving into a model for flood-conscious urban living. Developers like Mr Stockwell are pushing forward with projects designed to withstand Brisbane’s unpredictable climate, creating a city that adapts rather than retreats.

As skyscrapers rise above the floodplain, West End is proving that with the right planning, it is possible to live with water rather than fear it.

Published 6-March-2025

Plans Submitted For Residential Building In Kurilpa St in West End

Stockwell Development Group has lodged an application to build a nine-storey residential building on Kurilpa St in West End.

Read: Temporary West End-to-Guyatt Park Ferry Route Unveiled As 3-Stage Plan Commences

The residential dwellings , consisting of 78 two-, three- and four-bedroom units, will take up eight levels, with each storey consisting of individual private balconies or courtyards facing the streets.

stockwell west end — Site plan (Photo credit: Brisbane City Council)

The subject site is on a 2365sqm corner site spanning four lots at 4, 6 and 8 Bailey Street and 10 Kurilpa Street. It’s currently occupied by warehouse buildings which will be removed once the application is given the green light.

It would have a rooftop communal space, which would have a swimming pool, barbecue, recreational areas and pergola.

Designed by MODE Design, the plan incorporates Buildings that Breathe principles, with landscaping and deep planting zones proposed “to ensure the interface contributes to an attractive streetscape.”

brisbane west end — Photo credit: Brisbane City Council

It would also feature two levels of basement car parking which will accommodate 138 car parking spaces including 12 visitor parking.

The DA highlighted that residents of the proposed building will benefit from the ferry services, given the proposed ferry terminal at Victoria St.

“The proposed development is an appropriate density and mix of dwelling types to achieve the dwelling targets to accommodate the future population for Brisbane City under the Regional Plan,” said planners at RPS.

rooftop area — Rooftop recreation space (Photo credit: Brisbane City Council)

Stockwell has a number of established properties in West End, such as Riverpoint, which was completed in 2016, Muse (completed 2018), and Virtuoso the River (completed 2019).

The company has many residential projects across Brisbane, including apartments along Fish Lane and Dutton Park. They are also behind the controversial Boggo Road Gaol development, which was granted approval in 2021.

The new West End development will be one of their projects for 2022 along with another one in Noosaville.

Fore more details about the proposed residential building, see Brisbane City Council’s website with the reference A005984925.

Stockwell Buys Bailey Street Property for Future Residential Development

A well-established developer of several apartment buildings in West End has acquired another property on Bailey Street for its future residential development plans. Stockwell now owns the 2,347 square metre industrial block that also provides access to Kurilpa Street and Tondara Lane.

Mark Stockwell, the company’s founder, negotiated with the investor who owned the property since the 1980s through Jones Lang Lasalle. After closing the deal in August 2021, Mr Stockwell said that this latest asset will allow his company to serve more retirees, downsizers, and young families or first homeowners with the construction of another apartment complex.

Development plans for 8 Bailey Street have not yet been filed with Brisbane City Council but since 1997, Stockwell has been transforming former industrial sites into sought-after residential and commercial properties.

The developer completed its first West End project in 2003 with the Regatta Apartments on Kurilpa Street.

To date, the company has built over 14 residential apartments in West End, including the upcoming Ferry Road apartments in conjunction with 3P Projects, the Muse with its twin boutique buildings in Tondara Lane, and the Riverpoint in Forbes Street.

Stockwell started as a Queensland construction company in the 1950s. Founded by William and Necia Stockwell and Tom and Norma Rumley, the cross-generational business prospered for decades as its partnered with local businesses for developments, leasing, property funds, and retail management.

Aside from its West End core projects, the company’s current projects include lifestyle and residential projects in South Brisbane, Dutton Park, Bribie Island, and Agnes Water.