The last remaining absolute CBD riverfront site in Brisbane is likely to be occupied by the 53-level Harry Seidler designed Riparian Plaza.
Two of Australia's leading developers, Riverside Development Pty Ltd, a wholly owned subsidiary of Bloomberg Incorporation Limited, and Grocon (QLD) Pty Ltd, a wholly owned subsidiary of Grocon Pty Ltd, are equal joint venture partners in the multi-million dollar project.
The site already has preliminary approval and the development application is now in the Brisbane City Council's final approval process.
Designed by Harry Seidler, Riparian Plaza will incorporate an integrated plaza area and a 53-level tower. Seidler was also responsible for Brisbane's first flagship CBD building, the Riverside Centre. With a total floor area of approximately 55,000 square metres, the new building will feature a mix of commercial, residential and retail uses. CB Richard Ellis and Colliers Jardine have been appointed to the commercial marketing of the project.
The residential component, a mix of 52 luxury penthouse-style apartments, begin at level 41. PRD Realty will manage residential sales. According to Seidler, the composite building accommodating sectors of carpark, office and residential in vertical stacks, is unique in Australia.
"The shape of the tower has been carefully formed to maximise the outlook for occupants up and down the river. The base sector houses parking, the mid segment is column-free offices and the reshaped top consists of the greatest apartments we have ever designed," Seidler said.
Integral to the project is maintenance of design integrity across the whole of the riverside precinct, according to Nick Lucas from Grocon Pty Ltd. "Riparian Plaza gives particular consideration to important urban criteria such as contextual form, tower form, placements, orientation and views, setbacks, pedestrian routes, permeability, river access and public spaces. Through specific design development, the building preserves river outlooks and views and is turned at approximately 45 degrees to the river to take advantage of the Brisbane River curves. This will enable approximately 80% of each office floor to enjoy river views," he said.