Fortitude Valley Tower Plans Scaled Back to Include Retail and Food Outlets
Tower plans for a long-vacant site in the heart of Fortitude Valley have been dramatically scaled back to include retail and food outlets. The freshly lodged proposal for the 2206sq m holding at 186 Wickham Street and 23 Ranwell Lane details a “drastically reduced” scheme comprising 181 apartments rising 22 storeys.
This strategic pivot supersedes previously approved plans for 628 build-to-rent apartments across two towers of 30 and 24 storeys. The new design, created by Nettletontribe, anchors the development with a 247sq m retail and food and beverage outlet designed to reactivate the long-dormant streetscape.
A Single Tower Replaces Two
The new proposal replaces the earlier vision of two separate towers with a single 22-storey structure. Under the current plans, the tower would accommodate a mix of 180 two-bedroom apartments topped by a two-level penthouse sitting above a five-level podium.
The podium includes 194 carparking bays and 228 bicycle spaces. While the architectural plans identify the new proposal as “Wickham St BTR”—indicating it remains a build-to-rent project—the submitted planning report only refers to it as “high-rise residential apartments” and a “multiple dwelling”.
It has been filed by an entity linked to Asher Capital chairman Andrew King and TKM Capital managing director Tim Mahony, who were also behind the earlier approved scheme. Tobin King Lateef senior partner Bede King is also involved in the filing.
Design Draws on Valley History
The tower’s design draws inspiration from the precinct’s past, specifically referencing the historical Foy & Gibson Woollen Goods Store and the Rex Theatre. A design statement said the architectural language is reflective of the contextual aspects of the site, the traditions, and the materials of the surrounds of Fortitude Valley.
Striving to capture the tactility and mood of the Valley, elected materials are moody and textured by nature. Dark pigmented concrete elements feature on the podium and tower, contrasting with patinable earthen hued metals and timbers. At ground level, an arched facade and slender canopy would provide a strong street presence.
Upper residential levels would be set back to reduce visual bulk and preserve the scale of adjoining heritage assets. The proposal endeavors to invigorate Wickham Street with a higher quality residential development with supporting retail on the street level interface.
Rooftop Amenities and Community Impact
Crowning the proposed development is a 370sq m rooftop communal recreation zone featuring a lap pool, hot and cold plunge pools, a wellness spa with a sauna and steam room, a gymnasium, and outdoor dining booths.
“The proposed site is a well-known landmark because of its vacancy of over 50 years,” the document said. “On completion, this project will fill a void in the public realm and reinvigorate pedestrian activity along Wickham Street, enhancing the precinct and providing economic stimulus to the surrounding areas.”
A planning report prepared by Urbis noted that the development will increase the residential population within Fortitude Valley. It aims to support greater day-to-day activity and contribute positively to local amenity by introducing a critical mass of residents alongside complementary ground-level uses.
The proposal reinforces the Valley Heart Precinct’s role as a focal point for vibrant inner-city living. The site has sat vacant for decades, and the project is expected to transform the area into a more active part of the city.
