A prime location in Fortitude Valley could soon host a six-storey commercial tower featuring a rooftop restaurant and extensive subtropical landscaping.
A New Vision for James Street
The application for the site at 54–56 James Street seeks to create a landmark building between The Calile Hotel and the upcoming James Place retail hub. Designed by Koichi Takada Architects, the plan outlines a mixed-use tower that combines office space, ground-floor shops, and a rooftop restaurant. Planners at Property Projects Australia indicated that the project aims to serve as a major lifestyle destination.
They described the architectural concept as a series of stacked volumes wrapped in fins and crowned with vegetation, intended to give the impression of greenery rising directly from the streetscape.
Focus on Nature and Design
Landscaping plays a central role in the proposed design, with greenery covering nearly 35 per cent of the total site area. The plan includes lush subtropical planting that starts at the entry laneway and continues up the building’s facade. The design features terraces with shrubs and cascading plants that spill over the edges, leading up to a rooftop garden.
This upper level is set to include a large feature tree and a dining area, offering a new social spot for the community. The goal is to draw the local subtropical environment into the built form, creating a seamless connection between nature and the urban setting.
Building Specifications and Access
The development proposes a total gross floor area of 3,740 square metres on a 1,241 square metre site. To support the commercial and retail activities, the building will include two basement levels accommodating 30 car parking spaces. It also prioritises active transport with facilities for 22 bicycles, split between employee and visitor use.
Vehicle access is planned via an easement from Arthur Street to minimise disruption on the main strip. Planners noted that the development is designed to integrate into the existing fabric of the neighbourhood, contributing to the ongoing revitalisation of the area by mixing professional, commercial, and dining experiences in one location.
Published Date 26-November-2025
