This article is from the Australian Property Journal archive
A CHURCH and car park site in Brisbane’s inner east will be transformed into a $150 million residential development designed by architects FK for “sustainable sub-tropic living”.
The property at 91 Lytton Road in Balmoral consists of a 23,265 sqm site comprising two lots with street frontage to the busy Lytton Road, as well as Bolon Street and Andrew Street.
It has been acquired by developer Skyhold in a $27.5 million deal negotiated by Blake Goddard and Matt Barker of Knight Frank, with development approval secured for 177 build-to-sell homes across four medium density buildings, with a total gross floor area of 24,645 sqm.
“Skyhold are excited to be launching our next signature project within the upmarket Bulimba/Balmoral catchment. Opportunities of this scale within the inner city are almost non-existent and our vision for the site aligns with this once in a generation opportunity,” said Skyhold managing director, Zhen Chen.
Townhouses with three and four bedrooms are proposed along the Lytton Road boundary. Meanwhile, nestled within the site, apartments featuring one, two, and three bedrooms, complete with courtyards and deep-set balconies, are expected to appeal to a wide range of residents.
The townhouses feature butler’s pantries in the kitchen, double basins in the ensuite, walk-in laundries and study areas. Penthouses boast river views and generous outdoor terraces.
The development will also include two outdoor pools, remote working areas, a private dining function room, gym facilities, and generous bicycle storage.
“We’re pleased to be working with FK who have extensive experience in residential apartment planning on this challenging site, which was formerly a quarry and features a significant conservation zone, to bring different housing typologies to cater to diverse residents, from young families to downsizers and retirees,” Chen said.
Goddard said the site was sought after during the sales campaign, which took place three years ago, with settlement only just effected following the previous owner-occupier’s recent completion of their new facility in Tingalpa.
FK principal Jessica Lee said the site is “uncommonly large” for an established inner city residential neighbourhood.
“What makes it more compelling is the expanse of protected greenery inviting a feeling of a verdent sanctuary within the suburb,” she said.
“We’re committed to preserving and enriching the existing greenery, creating an immersive, leafy environment for future residents on site. This approach not only enhances the natural surroundings but also respects the privacy of neighbouring houses.”
Lee said that inspired by the site’s natural environment, including its greenery and distinctive contours, FK’s aim is to extend the immersive experience from arrival into the heart of the precinct.
“From the main entry right through to the front door is a journey for residents – beginning down the leafy driveway through the grand lobby and into breezy corridor ways before stepping into their home – a quintessentially Brisbane experience.”
Typical of the topography of Balmoral, the site is hilly and adorned with well-established greenery.
“The legacy of the site lingers on through its stepped built forms, which are indicative of previous quarrying,” Lee said.
The project features deep soil planting on 28% of the site, significantly more than the 10% required by Brisbane City Council which aims to mitigate the heat-island effect and enable offsetting of carbon emissions.
“Just five kilometres from the CBD, merged with convenience with great local transport links, we aimed to bring a sanctuary-like atmosphere within the site that will be a great addition to the suburb,” said FK associate Justin McLennan.
