A new development proposal is set to reimagine a key corner of the CBD while preserving the area’s rich architectural legacy. Located at 131 Edward Street, the proposed ‘Brisbane Place’ development will see a striking 39-storey office tower rise above two heritage-listed buildings, breathing new life into a precinct already steeped in Brisbane’s urban history.
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At the heart of the proposal (A006746611) is a vision to create a landmark commercial tower, designed to serve as a visual and functional gateway to the city’s growing business district. Oriented towards the intersection of Edward and Charlotte Streets, the proposed structure promises a contemporary addition to the skyline that complements rather than competes with the precinct’s historic character.
The plan carefully considers the Cathedral Precinct, ensuring that new development will enhance the area’s existing identity rather than overwhelm it. A master-planned approach informs the project, guiding the integration of modern architecture with significant heritage features including the Stock Exchange Hotel and the F.H. Faulding Warehouse.
These buildings, both heritage-listed, will be adaptively reused to house a two-level wine bar, upmarket retail spaces, and the lobby of the office tower—an example of old and new coexisting with elegance and purpose.
Among the standout features of Brisbane Place is a new laneway network connecting Edward, Charlotte, and Elizabeth Streets, designed to improve pedestrian flow and better knit the precinct into the wider CBD.
This connection will be anchored by a revitalised civic plaza and amphitheatre, envisioned as public gathering spaces for cultural and community events. While some existing elements, like the yarning circle and a frangipani tree, are set to be removed or relocated, the design aims to retain a strong sense of place and openness.
Tower tenants and guests will enjoy access to a rooftop sky garden, with panoramic views across the city. A terrace balcony will sit above the heritage buildings, offering a distinctive mix of architectural layering. The tower itself will feature a narrowed and sculpted design, ensuring that key sightlines to St Stephen’s Cathedral remain unobstructed and the streetscape retains its visual cohesion.
As part of the Cathedral Precinct’s integration, a new pedestrian pathway will be introduced at ground level near the Edward Dunlops Building, further increasing connectivity and public access. Sustainability and urban mobility have also been factored into the plans, with 262 bicycle spaces and access to the Cathedral underground carpark, which will offer 54 vehicle spaces. The modest car provision is a deliberate move to encourage greater use of active and public transport.
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In addition, the project’s footprint will extend around the Queensland Holocaust Museum on Charlotte Street, with care being taken to preserve its function and significance during the development.
Brisbane Place is being spearheaded by JGL Properties, in collaboration with architects Blight Rayner and planning firm Urbis—the same team behind the Jubilee Hotel redevelopment in Fortitude Valley. While the development’s timeline is yet to be confirmed, the scope and ambition of the project point to a multi-year construction period, with investment estimated in the billions.
More than just another high-rise, Brisbane Place could represent a thoughtful step forward in Brisbane’s evolution, where heritage preservation and modern growth can walk hand in hand. As the city positions itself as a global destination, projects like this signal a future that is both forward-looking and grounded in place.
Published 14-April-2025