Build-to-Rent Mega Project Pitched for Games Precinct

Woolloongabba has lured yet another developer into the high-density heartland of the Brisbane 2032 Olympic Games.

Fresh off the completion of Jubilee Place, JGL Properties has filed plans for a 433-apartment build-to-rent development for a 4716sq m site at 33 Jurgens Street.

While JGL is no stranger to the high-density apartment developments of the inner-south, it is the developer’s first foray into the build-to-rent asset class.

The 20-storey development would comprise two towers of varying heights atop a podium with a mix of 124 studio apartments, 133 one-bedroom apartments, 168 two-bedroom apartments, and eight three-bedroom apartments.

The Bureau Proberts-designed towers would be less than 200m from the Woolloongabba Cross River Rail Priority Development Area, bus and rail stations, and the proposed Olympic Games stadium at the Gabba.

According to planning documents, Woolloongabba is undergoing a period of urban renewal ahead of the development of infrastructure and the Olympic Games and ripe for a build-to-rent typology.

“This confluence of development, transport and employment presents a vital opportunity for much-needed housing in Brisbane,” the report said.

“Best-in-class build-to-rent developments combine density, efficiency and liveability with generous and diverse amenity offerings. Hawthorne Lane represents a response to the needs of its city, neighbourhood and residents.”

The development would also include co-working spaces, libraries, two cinema rooms and a wellness facility.

“The build-to-rent model is proposed for the site in response to clear demand for housing in the Woolloongabba area,” planning documents said.

“According to the latest Census data, Woolloongabba’s median age is 29, seven years younger than Brisbane’s median age of 36. The population comprises a mix of young professionals and workers in the hospitality, health, construction and education sectors.

“Woolloongabba features a significant amount of rental tenure compared to ownership, with 70 per cent of dwellings within Woolloongabba being rented.”

Pellicano recently pulled the trigger on its $85-million build-to-rent project down the road as part of its South City Square project, in partnership with Perri Projects.

The precinct now comprises 570 apartments across four complete residential towers and 15,000sq m of retail.

Hillyard House comprises 150 apartments across 15 levels and was designed by DBI Design and interior designer Clo Studios.

And while uncertainty clouds the future of the Gabba redevelopment as part of a $1.2-billion overhaul for the Olympic Games, developers continue to pile into the precinct.

*This post was originally published on https://www.theurbandeveloper.com/articles/brisbane-olympic-games-precinct-build-to-rent-development-application