Did you know that building height limits will increase in Toombul and five other suburban shopping centre precincts, as part of a new Sustainable Growth Strategy being implemented to address the ongoing housing crisis?
The initiatives were announced as part of the city’s plans, which aim to deliver thousands of new homes in areas like Carindale, Chermside, Garden City, Indooroopilly, Toombul, and Toowong.
By potentially increasing the building height limits in these areas, Brisbane City Council hopes to facilitate the construction of more apartments and units near the shopping centres, which already boast significant public transport connections.
In addition to the height limit changes, Brisbane City Council plans to incentivize build-to-rent developments by allowing developers to pay their infrastructure charges over time rather than in one lump sum. This change aims to reduce upfront costs and promote the construction of rental properties, which are in high demand.
To streamline the approval process for build-to-rent projects, a special unit dedicated to overseeing these developments will be established by Council. The goal is to unlock the potential of various sites across Brisbane that are currently held back due to market conditions.
Furthermore, Council intends to expand residential zones to include previously used commercial areas, thereby increasing housing options. Around 70 hectares across 14 sites in Brisbane have been identified as suitable for mixed-use opportunities.
Mr Schrinner emphasised the importance of balancing housing demand with preserving the character and green space in Brisbane. The new Sustainable Growth Strategy also aims to guide growth toward popular areas, particularly those surrounding the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games venues, whilst protecting the city’s unique lifestyle.
This plan has received praise for opening up more land for high-rise residential development. However, critics argue that the plan falls short of creating more affordable housing.
The Queensland Council of Social Service believes government intervention is necessary to ensure the delivery of social and affordable housing. Urban planners and experts also expressed concerns that the focus on supply and demand principles may not effectively address housing affordability issues.
Published 8-June-2023