Traders In Purple has submitted an application seeking to amend the existing approved Development Application on their recent acquisition at 281-297 Montague Road in Brisbane’s riverfront suburb of West End.

Under Traders’ revised plan for the residential project, two new heavily landscaped pedestrian links will connect Montague Road to Davies Park, opening up community access through the site for the first time since the site was originally developed.

The main link forms a green spine in the centre which will be interspersed with public seating in a lush tropical setting, bordered by retail spaces suitable for cafes, restaurants and local services, enhancing the experience for all users of the West End site.

In addition, 15 per cent of the site will be handed over to Brisbane City Council for an extension to Davies Park and the future widening of Montague Road.

The current DA provides approval for two residential towers of 20 and 18 levels each with ground floor retail uses. Similarly, the amendments propose residential towers with ground floor retail, focused on the new green spine connection with three slimmer buildings of 19, 18 and 16 storeys. A diverse mix of dwellings is proposed to meet the needs of families, singles, couples and downsizers.

With population pressures continuing to push up the price of Brisbane housing, the Montague Road development will boost supply with 403 new 1, 2 and 3 bedroom apartments and townhomes.

Traders In Purple CEO Brett Robinson said the proposed amendments would ensure the benefits of urban renewal extended beyond the provision of new housing.

“Urban renewal done well should deliver widespread community benefits and that is what we have sought to achieve with these modifications to the existing DA,” said Mr Robinson.

“The contribution of 15 per cent of the site for public use is important but so too is what we do on the ground within the development to enhance the experience of our residents and the wider community.

“We have prioritised greening at the pedestrian level to create a cool, natural environment that offers relief during the hottest months, with retail activations that will only add to the appeal of an expanded Davies Park and those who use the sports fields.

“Because of its proximity to the city and river, West End is undergoing rapid change, but there are some parts of this suburb, like Davies Park, that are sacrosanct.”

“The dwelling mix at Montague Road will cater to first home buyers, working couples, families and downsizers with shared resident amenity designed to enhance social interaction.

“Over the past five years the price of a house in West End has risen exponentially, and with a median of $1.86 million today there is a significant barrier to entry. The price differential between apartments and houses will make a real difference to younger buyers who want to settle in this well-established community.

“Montague Road is within walking and cycling distance of the CBD with good public transport, making this type of in-fill development a more sustainable option than pushing further out into distant car-dependent fringe suburbs.”

Designed by leading architectural firm Rothelowman, who collaborated with Traders In Purple in the design of Rivara and several of the property group’s projects on the Moreton Bay Peninsula, the design pays homage to the classic Queenslander.

The tower facing most prominently towards Davies Park is anchored by a rotunda at its base, with batten screening reminiscent of the decorative façade typically found in the Queenslanders and workers’ cottages that are characteristic of West End.

If you have any questions or comments on the amendment to the Development Application, please contact Traders In Purple via email: community.montague@tradersinpurple.com

All images are Artist’s impressions – indicative only and subject to change.