Heritage Home Restored as Centrepiece of New Bowen Hills Development
A new low-density apartment complex in Bowen Hills is set to preserve a 152-year-old heritage house while delivering modern, climate-friendly living. The Abbotsford development, located on an acre of inner-city land, will feature 122 two and three-bedroom residences with large balconies designed for indoor-outdoor flow.
Developer Cintra Property is leading the project with a focus on integrating the historic structure into the resident amenity. According to The Australian, the heritage home will be fully restored and exclusively used by future residents.
Heritage House Becomes Community Hub
Unlike typical developments that treat historic buildings as separate landmarks, Cintra Property director Peter Tan says the Abbotsford house will be integrated into daily life. The restored building will house a lounge, a private dining room available for booking, and a space for children’s parties.
“It’s very rare to find a heritage house within the context that we’re developing now,” Tan told The Australian. “Rather than treat the heritage component as separate, it is being integrated into the resident amenity.”
The development team deliberately kept the land around the heritage home open to ensure all residents can enjoy the gardens. “We didn’t want to build too close to the heritage home,” Tan explained. “Surrounding that we will have two very well-designed contemporary buildings with a lot of amenities.”
Family-Friendly Design in a Prime Location
Position Property director Richard Lawrence, who is leading sales and marketing, says the project targets families and downsizers seeking a permanent home rather than investment properties. “We really wanted to create the feeling that we have embraced the past, but we have our own identity in (modern) Brisbane,” Lawrence said.
The apartments feature cross-flow ventilation and large internal floor spaces flowing out to balconies. Lawrence noted that many three-bedroom units are big enough for families, catering to the trend of younger families moving into the inner city.
The site is within walking distance of the Gasworks, James Street, and King Street precincts. Bowen Hill station is located across the street, with schools and the CBD close by. “We’re seeing younger families move into the inner city, and you have to have the amenities to support them as they grow,” Lawrence added.
Construction Timeline and Completion
With the lowest basement level nearly finished, buyers can expect a clear timeline to completion. Lawrence stated that today’s buyers can be reassured there is a clear path to moving in.
“We’re giving people confidence about moving into their new home,” he said. The project aims to align with Brisbane’s rapid growth over the next five years, offering a design-led and lifestyle-focused alternative to standard high-density blocks.
