Parents and residents in West End have voiced strong opposition to a proposal for a 16-storey apartment tower directly across from West End State School, warning the project would overwhelm local infrastructure and impact neighbourhood character.
Read: West End State School Celebrates 150 Years with Community Fiesta
Plans for Vulture Street Development
The proposed mixed-use development at 33 Vulture Street includes 132 dwellings, food and drink outlets, shops or offices, and a rooftop garden.
The design features a three-storey podium that incorporates the preserved facades of an existing commercial character building, with two levels of active frontages facing Vulture Street. Above this, a 13-level tower would house apartments.
Developers have planned 199 car parking spaces and 165 bicycle spaces for residents and visitors.
Community Concerns
The proposal, currently on public notification, has already drawn hundreds of submissions to Brisbane, the vast majority of which are opposed. Residents argued the project far exceeds the site’s zoning allowance of eight storeys, raising concerns about its scale and impact on the surrounding community.
Vanessa Bertagnole, the head of West End State School Parents and Citizens Association, has said that while West End is already experiencing heavy development, this tower would sit directly on the school’s doorstep and place further pressure on infrastructure that is already struggling to keep pace.
Safety, liveability, and school impact
Many residents highlighted traffic and safety issues in their submissions. One submission noted the inclusion of 199 car parks would significantly increase vehicle movements in what is already a congested school zone.
“West End State School is a high-footfall zone, with hundreds of children walking, cycling, or scooting to school daily. The influx of vehicles from this development will exacerbate congestion during peak drop-oƯ and pick-up times, increase overflow parking on narrow streets, and pose unacceptable safety risks to children,” one resident said in their submission.
“I support growth but insist it must be balanced, sensitive, and infrastructure-supported. I believe the proposed development is too intense and inconsiderate of local liveability,” one resident wrote.
Concerns raised included the loss of winter sunlight, reduced solar efficiency for nearby homes, increased noise, and the 16-storey tower’s looming presence over the school. Privacy and student wellbeing were also mentioned as key issues.
Read: Stage 2 of West End State School Expansion Now Complete
The development proposal remains open for public comment, with Council to consider the community feedback before making a final decision.
Published 2-September-2025
