Revised Plans for Riverfront Development on Victoria Street, West End Lodged

First proposed in 2018, the controversial West End riverfront development at 117 Victoria Street has undergone a major redesign and is now up for approval.



The Crown Group originally proposed the development on the 1.25-hectare property four years ago and was granted approval that same year which involves the establishment of 455 apartments across four towers atop a large podium, despite strong opposition from local residents.

However, construction of the Victoria Street project was paused to allow the developer to submit revised plans. The updated design maintained the four towers but removed the podium and reoriented Towers 1 and 3 to allow more open space, maximise the river views and improve access to natural light and ventilation.

117 Victoria Street riverfront development
Photo credit:  Brisbane City Council  / developmenti.brisbane.qld.gov.au

Designed by Kengo Kuma and Associates and Plus Architecture, the new development application will also seek approval for an increase in the number of apartments to 473 (126 x 1 bedroom, 225 x 2 bedrooms, 111 x 3 bedrooms, 11 x 4 bedrooms) from the original 455 and an increase in parking spaces from 507 to 635.

117 Victoria Street riverfront development
Photo credit:  Brisbane City Council  / developmenti.brisbane.qld.gov.au

There will also be an additional 140sqm of retail space at the ground level of Tower 1 plus 5,025sqm of communal open space which also increased from 3,964sqm as a result of the podiums removal and activation of residential amenities at the rooftop of Towers 1 and 4. The communal recreation space comprises a pool, outdoor decks, indoor gym and lounge and dining areas. 

 117 Victoria Street riverfront development
Photo credit:  Brisbane City Council  / developmenti.brisbane.qld.gov.au  


The proposed development is to be delivered in two stages with Stage 1 involving the construction of two basement levels and Towers 1 and  2 whilst construction of Towers 3 and 4 will be undertaken during Stage 2.

117 Victoria St, West End QLD 4101

Subtropical River Garden or Madness? New 12-Storey Building Proposed for West End

A new 12-storey residential development is being proposed on Victoria Street in West End, and while the developer is touting it as a future subtropical river-garden, Councillor Jonathan Sri (The Gabba) thinks it would be madness to let such a development push through.

Crown Group has lodged a Development Application for a residential tower with 446 apartment units. These would include 1-bedroom to 3-bedroom apartment units and penthouses. The proposal involves building a 10-storey building with a two-storey podium on a lot area of 10,766 square metres.

Site of the proposed residential development. (Photo credit: pdonline.brisbane.qld.gov.au)

Riverfront Garden Lifestyle

Architectural firm FJMT, which designed the building, said they drew inspiration from the Brisbane River and the Hinterland beyond when they came up with the gentle and fluid design for the building.

Photo credit: pdonline.brisbane.qld.gov.au

The idea was to create homes instead of apartments, with units provided with private gardens and balconies of at least 12 square metres. Residents would also be provided with communal landscaped spaces. The building is U-shaped and turns towards the river to take full advantage of the views.

The design boasts a central garden with an infinity waterfront pool and a communal garden terrace for residents. This subtropical riverfront garden concept is in keeping with the Buildings that Breathe guidelines of the Brisbane City Council.

Photo credit: pdonline.brisbane.qld.gov.au

Photo credit: pdonline.brisbane.qld.gov.au

Death-Trap Intersection

Councillor Jonathan Sri expressed dismay over the proposal. He asserted that it would be madness to approve such a proposal, which does not comply with the neighbourhood plan.

Cr Sri explained that while the proposal states that the plan is for a 12-storey building, the building looks more like a 14 or 15-storey structure.

A vocal fighter for affordable housing, Cr Sri said that what the neighbourhood needs now are safe pedestrian crossings and not luxury penthouses.

“The council can’t cram more people into an area without improving public transport facilities, or traffic congestion will just get worse and worse,” he said.

He also noted that upzoning the area for high-density residential development is based on a premise that the council would first build a new CityCat terminal at the end of Victoria Street. That has not happened yet.

“West End needs more medium-density public housing and affordable community housing – not more,” Cr Sri said.

Find out more about the West End Development Application (A004827228).