Strangler fig-inspired high-rise planned for South Brisbane

A 29-storey residential tower inspired by the growth patterns of strangler fig trees has been proposed for a narrow site in South Brisbane. Developers behind the project, Milton 1, have submitted an application to redevelop a cross-block link between 37 Cordelia Street and 42 Manning Street, currently occupied as a private car park. The proposal includes a mix of rooming accommodation, ground-floor commercial spaces, and a publicly accessible arcade. The development, designed by Fender Katsalidis, aims to address housing shortages in the inner city while incorporating sustainable design principles. The site falls within the Kurilpa Sustainable Growth Precinct, an area designated under temporary planning rules that encourage taller residential developments in exchange for compliance with specific design, sustainability, and landscaping standards. The proposed building is one storey shorter than the precinct's maximum allowed height of 30 storeys. The structure would rise from a site measuring just 20 metres in width, featuring a "slender tower" form approximately 12 metres wide throughout much of its height. This design is described as being influenced by the twisting vines of strangler fig trees, with the architects noting that the building's curved facade reflects this organic inspiration. The development would include 350 rooming accommodation units, alongside 413.8 square metres of commercial space suitable for shops, offices, cafes, or restaurants. At ground level, there would be 235.7 square metres of publicly accessible open space, including an arcade extending from Cordelia Street toward Manning Street. This space would be lined with commercial premises and serve as a point of access to the building. The proposal also includes 10 visitor car parks and 110 bicycle spaces, with no provision for resident vehicle parking. According to the planning assessment report prepared by Mewing Planning Consultants, the development is intended to provide affordable housing options for students and co-living arrangements near key amenities such as public transportation, educational institutions, and employment hubs. The report highlights that one-person dwellings make up roughly a quarter of all households in Brisbane, underscoring the need for flexible and cost-effective housing solutions. The proposal is framed as a response to the ongoing housing crisis, offering an innovative approach to increasing supply in a densely populated urban environment. A flood risk assessment included with the application indicates that the building would follow a flood emergency management plan. Residents would either be evacuated early or instructed to remain in place during major flood events. The planning report also mentions that the site is located within an industrial amenity investigation area due to its proximity to the Visy Glass facility. A larger 7.1-hectare block adjacent to the site is projected to accommodate over 4000 residences in the future. Because the proposal aligns with the height and landscaping criteria set by the Kurilpa temporary planning framework, it bypassed the requirement for public notification. The Brisbane City Council will review the application and determine whether it should proceed. The approval process will likely involve further scrutiny of environmental impact assessments, community feedback, and adherence to local zoning regulations. The development represents a notable step in the city's efforts to expand housing stock while integrating green architecture and public accessibility into urban planning.