“Seamless” development proposal draws concerns

By Evie Drinnan

A development proposal directly adjacent to the Breakfast Creek Hotel has raised considerable community concern during its public submission period.

DRJ Investment Pty Ltd’s proposal prepared by Place Design Group stated that the 17-storey tower along with a rooftop garden located at 4 Higgs St and 11 Sandgate Rd “seamlessly integrates with the character of the area”.

If approved, the tower will include 199 units, most of which are 2-bedroom, along with 247 car parks and 234 bike parking, located underground in 5 levels.

The Queensland Hotels Association (QHA), acting in the interests of the Breakfast Creek Hotel, and members of the community are worried the development will dwarf and shade the Hotel.

The QHA is also concerned the Breakfast Creek Hotel will receive noise complaints once residents move in.

QHA CEO Bernie Hogan said in his submission: “Sound attenuation…has resulted in the closure of other venues with significant heritage value, incurring exorbitant costs due to residential developments built within the venues’ proximity.”

The podium, reduced from 4 to 3 storeys to be in line with the roof of the hotel, will be home to a public plaza.

The proposal said: “The proposed development has been designed to respond to the character and form of the nearby Breakfast Creek Hotel.

“In particular, the podium form is a contemporary response, which interprets, but does not replicate the materials and design element of the hotel.”

Businesses operating in the Breakfast Creek Lifestyle Precinct are also concerned that the development will shade and therefore draw customers away from their businesses.

Many objections to the proposal are concerned about this proximity to the creek and the Brisbane River, and the consequent flood risk.

Other concerns raised include traffic congestion, lack of street parking, noise and pollution from the ICB, lack of cycle routes and bike parking on ground level, and the building’s height exceeding the maximum 10 storeys required by the Albion Neighbourhood Plan.

Some submissions were in support of the proposal as it will help facilitate the Olympics, provide new homes at a time when they are desperately needed, and that it will revitalise Albion.

The public submission period closed on March 6.

Brisbane City Council will take submissions into account before deciding whether to approve the proposal.