Residents and heritage supporters have raised concerns over plans for a new office tower development on Turbot St which may impact as many as 25 trees along two of Brisbane’s oldest parks.
The tower is a $670-million project that secured approval for DA A005799854 in March 2022, allowing the developer, Mirvac, to build a world-class workplace precinct that will transform the former site of the University of Queensland dental school.
The heritage-listed site was recently used as a famous TV set for the crime drama “Harrow.”
The Spring Hill Community Group said that the developer lodged another application, DA A006046802, for a minor change of use on the Turbot St development in June 2022, citing a possible filling and excavation that could impact 25 trees on Wickham Park and King Edward Park which are within the development parameters.
Concerns have also been raised that the planned work might also affect a heritage stone wall if a path through the parks is permitted.
Council has asked the developer to submit a Vegetation Management Plan in early September to clarify its intention for the path, which will be for car park access.
The Turbot St office tower will integrate the old dental school building into 66,000 square metres of office space. The site includes a 6.000-square metre open space, 169 car parks, and 745 bicycle parking bays.
“We expect a building of this quality, in this unique CBD location, together with the opportunity for large floor plates, to attract a high calibre of tenants,” Brett Draffen, Mirvac’s Chief Investment Officer, said.
“The building will also benefit from significant government investment in local infrastructure including Cross River Rail, Brisbane Metro and Brisbane Live.”
