We are into June already.  What happened last month?  Development Round-Up: Brisbane’s Growth Accelerates Across All Fronts

As Brisbane gears up for the 2032 Olympic Games, May 2025 marked a surge in major development activity across both inner and outer suburbs. From bold high-rise proposals to transformative urban renewal projects, developers are responding to population growth, infrastructure upgrades, and evolving planning policies. Here’s a comprehensive look at the key highlights from the past month.

High-Density Momentum: 

Indooroopilly: Vertical Living 

Verso Projects has put forward a proposal for a 20-storey residential tower at 53 Coonan Street, Indooroopilly. Designed by Ellivo Architects, the development features 119 apartments, rooftop amenities, and sustainable green design across a 2,192 sqm site. Although it exceeds current height limits, the project aligns with the Indooroopilly Centre Neighbourhood Plan, reflecting the suburb’s move toward urban consolidation near transit and retail hubs.

Newstead: 

BPG Developments is advancing an 18-storey mixed-use project in Newstead that incorporates heritage elements and affordable housing. These developments highlight the push for diverse, high-density housing options close to the CBD.

South Brisbane 

Pyco Group has submitted plans for an 11-storey tower in South Brisbane, offering a family-friendly mix primarily of three-bedroom apartments. Meanwhile following KS Property and their 71-storey CBD approval on Mary Street by Koichi Takada.  KS Property has revealed plans for dual 30-storey towers on Merivale Street, featuring 480 apartments and enhanced public realm spaces—signalling growing investor confidence in Brisbane’s vertical communities.

West End: 

Brisbane developer Stockwell is proposing a 16-storey mixed-use tower at 33 Vulture Street featuring 132 apartments and a three-level podium that preserves historic 1920s Can Factory facades. The design blends heritage and modern elements across the 3,321 sqm site and includes extensive communal spaces like a rooftop pool, gym, and dog park. Though taller than the usual 8-storey limit, the project fits with nearby high-density zones. Stockwell has invested over $590 million and delivered 700+ apartments in West End so far.

Developer-builder Traders In Purple is also growing in West End, acquiring a second site at 281-297 Montague Road for a new $850 million development. This follows their 12-storey Rivara building nearby, highlighting their focus on quality urban renewal with improved public spaces and community amenities. Traders In Purple holds a $5 billion development pipeline across Queensland and NSW, including $560 million in recent Sydney acquisitions.

Woolloongabba:

The Queensland Government has initiated market engagement for a 9-hectare precinct in Woolloongabba, including the GoPrint site and The Gabba stadium. As part of the 2032 Olympics Delivery Plan, this redevelopment will integrate housing, retail, entertainment, and new transport links. It represents a once-in-a-generation opportunity to reshape inner Brisbane and enhance liveability, tourism, and investment appeal.

Master-planning & Mixed-Use: Suburbs Embrace the Next Chapter

Nathan, Salisbury, Moorooka: Southside Vision Locked In. Brisbane City Council has approved the Nathan, Salisbury, Moorooka Neighbourhood Plan, unlocking space for 2,500 new homes and employment precincts. The plan envisions revitalizing the Magic Mile and improving transport corridors, supporting goals for decentralised growth and urban renewal.

Mango Hill: New Town Centre 

The Pace family, former egg producers turned developers, unveiled plans for a massive mixed-use precinct near Westfield North Lakes. This proposal includes 23 towers up to 30 storeys, over 2,300 apartments, and more than 118,000 sqm of commercial space—an unprecedented scale for this Moreton Bay suburb, bolstered by upgraded rail infrastructure.

Adaptive Reuse & Heritage Integration: Preserving While Building

From Shayher Group’s Bulimba Barracks transformation to Stockwell’s Can Factory revival in West End and the St Francis College redevelopment in Milton, developers are skillfully blending heritage preservation with contemporary living. These projects offer mid-rise density in character-rich neighbourhoods and highlight a growing trend toward adaptive reuse as a key part of urban development strategies.

Lifestyle & Luxury: High-End Projects 

Hamilton: Alba Brings Wellness and River Views

Frank and Joe Licastro’s proposed 15-storey Alba tower introduces 72 premium apartments with wellness-focused design and rooftop amenities, targeting Brisbane’s luxury down-sizer market ahead of the Olympics.

Housing Affordability & Community Infrastructure: A Focus on Livability

Carseldine & Bulimba: Mixed-Use with a Social Angle

Deluca Corporation is advancing Stage 2 of Carseldine Village with 70 new apartments and ground-floor retail. Meanwhile, Regis Aged Care and retirement living developers are expanding offerings in Bulimba and Aura Holdings independent living to meet demand from Brisbane’s ageing population and community care needs.

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Key Takeaways from last month.

Zoning Flexibility & Strategic Planning: Height-limit exceptions are increasingly supported when aligned with precinct plans.

Diversified Housing Mix: There is a market shift towards larger apartments (2-3 bedrooms) with integrated amenities and family-friendly urban living.

Mixed-Use & Infrastructure-Led Growth: Developments cluster near transport hubs, lifestyle precincts, and Olympic-linked infrastructure.

Heritage & Design Quality: Adaptive reuse and design excellence are essential for approvals and market appeal.

As 2025 unfolds, Brisbane’s development pipeline is evolving from expansion to maturity—where density meets design and community value aligns with commercial returns. For property professionals, this presents both exciting challenges and opportunities, demanding strategic vision grounded in local policy, market trends, and urban context.