The Skyscrapers Set to Redefine Brisbane’s Skyline

The supertalls set to change the face of Brisbane

Brisbane skyline
Under development - the Brisbane skyline. Pic: Dan Fidler

Brisbane’s skyline is set to undergo drastic change over the coming years with an exciting slate of projects soon to ascend far into the skies above the river city. Here they are.

The One Residences

Brisbane’s next supertall is Shayher Group’s jaw-dropping “The One Residences” project which is currently under construction on George Street and due to top out in the coming months.

The One is the final component of Shayher’s $1 billion Brisbane Quarter development which also comprises the recently completed 300 George Commercial tower and 5-star W Hotel. The 400+ apartment tower has been steadily making its mark on the Brisbane skyline over the last year and will continue rising all the way up to Brisbane’s development height ceiling of 274 metres.

Spread across 82 floors, The One will shortly become Brisbane’s second tallest building behind Brisbane Skytower and an icon best viewed from South Bank.

The One Residence Artist Impression

30 Albert

World Class Global’s mired 30 Albert Street residential tower could be Brisbane’s next skyscraper to climb its way to the 274 metre development height ceiling. The long-approved 91 storey tower by the Singaporean developer has sat in limbo for well over a year now. ProBuild looked to be appointed as the building contractor and placed branding and equipment on the site, though no work has taken place since. The impediment for the residential tower relates to the Cross River Rail.

30 Albert Street Rendar
Credit: Cox Architects

Plans for the huge tower include 8 storeys of basement levels and World Class Global’s (WCG) town planners had even lodged plans to add three more basement levels – though this extension was later withdrawn. Brisbane City Council has referred the development application to the Cross River Rail Delivery Authority (CRRDA) for further examination. Almost a year on, there have been no further DA submissions or updates from either WCG or CRRDA regarding the status of 30 Albert Street.

World Class Global is currently in the final stages of completing the Southern Hemisphere’s tallest residential building in Melbourne; Australia 108. Perhaps once WCG finishes work on Australia’s tallest building, its focus will shift to the 30 Albert Street project.

This isn’t the Singaporean developer’s only 274 metre behemoth approved in Brisbane. Another 91 storey residential tower next to the recently completed Brisbane Skytower has also been approved for a number of years. The project was seemingly shelved as the site was put up for sale in 2018. There have been no site site updates since.

171 Edward Street

An unfortunate but noteworthy inclusion in this list is Aria’s shelved 171 Edward Street tower. The gorgeous, 265 metre tall, golden residential tower designed by Rothelowman was approved in 2016 and never launched.

Situated on the corner of Edward and Elizabeth Streets, the site represents a prime location within the CBD and in September last year, commercial office giant Dexus acquired the site from Aria for over $80 million. French luxury retailer Hermes recently secured a 10 year lease and has expanded its tenancy, so Dexus may sit on the site for some time. One thing we can be sure of is if Dexus decides to develop the site, it won’t be a residential project. 

443 Queen Street

A project set to redefine apartment living in Brisbane is Cbus Property’s 443 Queen Street tower; which is currently under construction. The controversial 47 floor residential tower will stand at 185 metres tall on completion, and likely top out well into next year.

The 443 Queen Street tower designed by Architectus in collaboration with WOHA

When first proposed a number of years ago, Customs House owner University of Queensland argued that it imposed on the precinct’s heritage integrity. Taking the approval of the development to court, it was eventually ruled that council was within its rights to approve the development.

The stunning subtropical architectural design comes from the pairing of Singaporean heavyweights Woha Architects and local firm Architectus. The vision from Cbus was to leverage Brisbane’s climate and create apartments which are open and breathing – to best embrace nature and promote “engagement with the sky, the river, the sunlight, stars and balmy breezes.” Utilising cross flow ventilation and covered in greenery, the building exemplifies council’s Buildings that Breathe guidelines and could be the first in a new wave of subtropical design in Brisbane. 

More to come

As we slowly see the gargantuan Queen’s Wharf project ascend from the giant pit of cranes, the Queen’s Wharf Residences, 65 storey, 244 metre tall tower will begin rising alongside the casino and hotel buildings. It will open core features in 2022 and welcome residents in 2023.  

With such a long list of supertalls hopefully gracing the Brisbane skyline over the coming years, it’s clear that these buildings, along with the long list of infrastructure projects currently underway, will bring about a new era of rapid growth for Brisbane city.

More Brisbane development: Queen’s Wharf Development Update