Tag: Little Italy

Triffid and ‘Little Italy’ Developer Reach Noise Dispute Resolution

The Triffid, one of Brisbane’s iconic live music venues, and a major new development have reached a harmonious agreement that promises to benefit the community and preserve the area’s vibrant culture.

Read: Triffid Takes Legal Action vs Newstead Development Over Noise Concerns

Panettiere Developments, the company behind the much-anticipated “Little Italy” project, a three-tower mixed-use development in Newstead, has officially settled a planning appeal concerning noise from the nearby live music venue.

Photo credit: The Triffid/Google Maps

Tensions surfaced in late 2024 when Hutchinson Builders, co-owners of The Triffid, initiated legal action over concerns that the $1.5 billion development could jeopardise the venue’s future due to potential noise complaints from future residents.

After close collaboration between acoustic experts representing both parties and Brisbane’s local officials, the developers agreed to significantly enhance soundproofing in Building 1 — the tower directly adjacent to The Triffid. Acoustic treatments have been increased from level 4 to level 12, alongside thoughtful redesigns to apartment layouts, ensuring residents can enjoy their homes without compromising the venue’s live music experience.

Photo Credit: Brisbane PD Online/Bureau Proberts

“We’re proud to have worked constructively with The Triffid representatives to find a solution that respects Brisbane’s vibrant music culture while allowing the proposed development to move forward,” Panettiere Developments confirmed in a statement.

Despite the delays caused by the legal proceedings, the development is now progressing with renewed momentum. Once complete, Little Italy will offer a unique blend of residential living, boutique retail, and hospitality venues, aiming to transform Newstead into one of Brisbane’s most dynamic urban hubs.

Stage 1 of the project — a residential tower set on the corner of Longland and Kyabra Streets — is expected to launch soon, drawing interest from those who want to live in one of the city’s most culturally rich neighbourhoods.

Read: Night-Life Commissioner Eyes Changes to Revive Fortitude Valley

For locals, especially residents of Fortitude Valley and Newstead, this outcome reinforces a powerful message: that progress doesn’t have to come at the cost of community identity. The Triffid will continue to echo with live music, and a new chapter for urban living is just around the corner.

Published 19-May-2025

Triffid Takes Legal Action vs Newstead Development Over Noise Concerns

Hutchinson Builders, co-owners of the iconic Fortitude Valley music venue The Triffid, have launched a legal action against a proposed $1.5-billion development in Newstead, citing concerns over potential noise complaints from future residents.

Read: Brisbane City Outreach Highlights Rise in Women’s Homelessness

The development, known as Little Italy or Oro Newstead, received approval on October 30 and includes three towers with over 1,000 apartments, retail outlets, and a restaurant precinct.  The Triffid, co-owned by former Powderfinger bassist John Collins, is adjacent to the proposed development site on Stratton Street.

Noise Assessment Concerns

Triffid
Photo credit: Bureau Proberts

In an appeal filed with the Planning and Environment Court, Hutchinson Builders and The Triffid argue that the noise assessment conducted for the development application was inadequate. 

They claim the assessment needed to properly consider the impact of amplified music from The Triffid and other existing and future venues in the area. The appeal states that the development does not ensure bedrooms and living rooms are designed to protect occupants from amplified music noise.  They are concerned that this could increase noise complaints from residents unaware of or potentially bothered by the existing live music scene.

A Test for Brisbane’s Entertainment Precinct

Triffid
Photo credit: Bureau Proberts

This legal challenge highlights the tension between Brisbane’s growing residential developments and its vibrant live music scene. The Triffid is located within the Fortitude Valley Entertainment Precinct, which has specific noise and planning regulations to support the city’s nightlife. However, expanding residential areas near the precinct have increased noise concerns.

Griffith University music industry researcher Ben Green believes this case is a test for Brisbane’s live music and entertainment laws. He points out that as live music venues move further into suburban areas, the existing place-based model of live music planning may need to be re-evaluated. Dr Green suggests that Brisbane may need to consider city-wide responses similar to those implemented in Victoria and New South Wales.

Read: Fortitude Valley Flavours: Lunar Pies Serves Up a Slice of Filipino History

Council Response

Brisbane City Council stated that the approval conditions for the Little Italy development require prospective tenants to be informed about the noise levels from the Special Entertainment Area, including The Triffid. Councillor Ryan Murphy emphasised that live music has a strong future in Brisbane and that the venue is protected through rules and conditions. He encouraged those who do not like live music to consider living elsewhere.

Published Date 14-December-2024