Elizabeth Arcade Upgrade with Student Accommodation – 97 Elizabeth Street, Brisbane CBD

The development application has been lodged by El Camino Priority I for Rooming Accommodation, Centre Activity and Hotel, located at 97 Elizabeth Street, Brisbane CBD.

Designed by Arkhefield Architects, the proposal is for a Mixed Use development, comprising Two (2) buildings proposed at 25 and 32 storeys. The buildings provide a variety of residential dwelling types for Student Accommodation, whilst providing a multitude of retail, sophisticated assortment dining and services for the general public in a rejuvenated Elizabeth Arcade.

The proposed development comprises the following elements:

• The proposed buildings take the form of 2 towers over single storey podiums that front the street.
• Two (2) buildings proposed at 25 and 32 storeys
• Central Arcade midblock link of Elizabeth and Charlotte Streets
• Arcade style laneway will provide extensive area of communal open space, dining and retail
• Separate entrance for students to by-pass the public realm.
• Combined accommodation will provide 919 rooms
• 4 level podium which houses the student Foyer, reception and communal and recreational facilities
• Level 1 Podium is the arrival point for students, from where they can take lifts up to their residences, a Learning Centre providing communal space for students as well as office and meeting rooms
• Level 2 a recreational Games area, Lounges and a Gym are located alongside a communal Laundry facility.
• Level 24 a communal Pool and BBQ deck level creating a belvedere which looks out over the city.
• Non Student Residential accommodation is provided on levels 2, 3 and 4 of the podium offering an alternative product to the tower residences
• No car parking has been provided, though 145 bicycle spaces have been provided
• Retail tenancies buildings 2A and 2B provide active frontage 439sqm of GFA) to the balance of the Montpelier Road frontage.
• Elizabeth and Charlotte Streets entrances for each building and arcade
• 988sqm of total Retail GFA and 171sqm of internal seating areas
• Basement allows for MRV truck to turn around as well as bathrooms

Arkhefield Architects outline, “the intent with the Arcade is to create a place which will become a memorable and instantly recognisable Brisbane destination, embracing our sub-tropical environment as a backdrop to a relaxed and informal dining setting. Tenancies with façades which can fold back blur the distinction between Arcade and restaurant, and are designed to encourage people to move through the space”.

“On Elizabeth Street the podium height roughly approximates to the cornice height of the heritage listed Family Services Building, which is also referenced in the podium of the more recent ATO Building. The intent with this move is to continue a scale and massing to the streetscape which respects the existing character of the street, whilst acknowledging the likely future development of adjacent buildings. On Charlotte Street the podium establishes a datum which aligns closely to the parapet of the John Mills Himself Building, forming a podium scale sympathetic to the heritage character of the street”.

“Translation of the podium is spanned across the site to respect historical value of the block. Saint Luke’s Church, John Reid and Nephews, and John Mill’s Himself sets the street-scape for Charlotte Street. The facade frontage is matched with an articulated entry void to act as a marker expressing the relation between new and old while highlighting pedestrian access through to Elizabeth street”.

Summary:

The application seeks to provide student accommodation in proximity to the QUT Campus and other education establishment’s within the city. Situated in a prime location, the proposal activates 2 street frontages and rejuvenates the existing Elizabeth Arcade as a unique land mark in the Brisbane CBD.

The application was lodged 11 December 2015 @ 97 Elizabeth Street, Brisbane CBD. Source: Planning Report and Architectural Drawings, prepared by Arkhefield Architects: www.arkhefield.com.au .All information is available for review from BCC pdonline, see council ref: A004280556 for more information.