Tag: Bureau Proberts

51-Storey Hotel Tower Proposed Above Victory Hotel Site In Brisbane CBD

Photo Credit: DA/A006934633

A 51-storey hotel tower has been proposed for the Victory Hotel site in Brisbane’s CBD, with planning documents indicating the venue’s street-level beer garden would be built over as part of the redevelopment.

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A Heritage Pub Site Facing Major Change

The development application seeks approval for a 284-room hotel tower positioned behind and above the locally heritage-listed Victory Hotel at the corner of Edward and Charlotte streets. The pub has operated on the site since 1855.

Plans described in the application indicate the tower would be constructed over the existing Charlotte Street-facing beer garden, changing how the ground-level venue operates.

Victory Hotel tower
Photo Credit: DA/A006934633

Reverse Podium Design And Tower Form

Architecture firm Bureau Proberts has proposed a reverse or “negative space” podium arrangement, intended to maintain the visual prominence of the heritage pub at street level. The tower would be located toward the rear corner of the 924-square-metre site, with higher levels cantilevered from level six upwards.

Material submitted with the application states the form is designed to maintain views toward the Victory Hotel and the adjacent state heritage-listed Metro Arts building.

Brisbane CBD development
Photo Credit: DA/A006934633

Uses, Levels And Site Coverage

The proposal includes hotel rooms, bars and dining venues, function spaces, a gym and wellness facilities, along with multiple rooftop areas. A rooftop bar is proposed on level 50, and a pool deck and day spa are proposed at level 38.

The tower is proposed to rise to about 206.6 metres and would cover around 50.3 per cent of the site, exceeding the 45 per cent site cover referenced under planning controls. Onsite car parking is not proposed.

Edward Street hotel tower
Photo Credit: DA/A006934633

Assessment And Next Steps

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Due to its scale and site cover, the application is impact assessable and subject to public notification and assessment by Brisbane City Council. Separate approved refurbishment works for the pub are set to start in the second quarter of 2026, while the tower is planned for completion before 2032, subject to approvals.

Published 14-Jan-2026

Milestone for 251 Wickham Street: Court Challenges Resolved, Office Tower Project Advancing

The approval of a 28-storey office tower in Fortitude Valley, also known as ‘251 Wickham Street’ has faced opposition from various parties. However, opponents have recently withdrawn their appeals after reaching an agreement with the developer, leading to a significant breakthrough for the project.

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PJP Properties, who own the nearby former McWhirters Bulk Store, initially appealed Brisbane City Council’s approval in May 2022 but they decided to withdraw their appeal several months later following negotiations with Pidson Investments, the developer behind the tower.

McWhirters Bulk Store is a heritage-listed building built in 1919 to serve as a bulk store, a time in which the company was undergoing expansion.

McWhirters, 2020 (Photo credit: CC BY-SA 4.0/Kgbo/Wikimedia Commons)

During the approval process in 2022, the Council emphasised the importance of protecting the adjacent heritage site. Specific measures were outlined to ensure the preservation and protection of the neighbouring heritage place. These measures include, but are not limited to, safeguarding the footings, wall cladding, and roof sheeting of the heritage property.

251 Wickham Street
Photo credit: Bureau Proberts

The development application received a few submissions, with some locals expressing concerns about the scale of the project. They argued that constructing a 28-storey building on a 1,357 sqm site is disproportionate to the existing character and amenity of the locality.

Despite these objections, the withdrawal of court challenges by opponents and the subsequent agreement between PJP Properties and Pidson Investments signify a significant turning point for the project. 

Once completed, it will stand as one of the tallest towers in Fortitude Valley, making its mark on Brisbane’s skyline.

251 Wickham Street
Photo credit: Bureau Proberts

The majority of the building will be allocated for commercial purposes, with an emphasis on providing space for various businesses. Additionally, the ground floor will be specifically designed to accommodate dining establishments and retail stores.

The development also includes provisions for 58 parking spaces and 108 bicycle spaces, acknowledging the need for sustainable transportation options.

Photo credit: Bureau Proberts

Unlike traditional rectangular structures, this tower designed by Bureau Proberts adopts a tapered form, sloping down towards Warner Street whilst offering expansive views of Brisbane’s city centre.

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Architects at Bureau Proberts explained that the 251 Wickham Street form and architectural expression provides a striking alternative to the commercial offerings of the Brisbane CBD and the northern valley fringe, strengthening the Valley’s long held, independent and culturally diverse character.

Published 24-May-2023