Drastic Scale-Back for Fortitude Valley’s Long-Vacant Wickham Street Site
Tower plans for a dirt patch that has sat vacant for over 50 years in the heart of Fortitude Valley have been dramatically scaled back. A freshly lodged proposal for the 2206sq m holding at 186 Wickham Street and 23 Ranwell Lane details a “drastically reduced” scheme comprising just 181 apartments rising 22 storeys.
The new proposal supersedes previous plans approved in 2023 for 628 build-to-rent apartments across two towers of 30 and 24 storeys. According to The Urban Developer, the latest plans have been filed by an entity linked to Asher Capital chairman Andrew King and TKM Capital managing director Tim Mahony.
A Single Tower Replaces Two
Designed by Nettletontribe, the new tower proposal accommodates a mix of 180 two-bedroom apartments topped by a two-level penthouse. The residential component would sit above a five-level podium with 194 carparking bays and 228 bicycle spaces.
While the architectural plans identify the reworked scheme as “Wickham St BTR”—indicating it remains a build-to-rent project—the planning documents only refer to it as “high-rise residential apartments” or a “multiple dwelling”. Anchoring the proposed development, about 250sq m of ground-floor retail space is planned to reactivate the site’s long-dormant streetscape.
Design Inspired by Valley Heritage
The tower’s design draws inspiration from the precinct’s past, specifically referencing the historical Foy & Gibson Woollen Goods Store and the Rex Theatre. “The architectural language is reflective of the contextual aspects of the site, the traditions, and the materials of the surrounds of Fortitude Valley…though reimagined in vogue,” a design statement said.
Striving to capture the tactility and mood of the Valley, elected materials are moody and textured by nature, with dark pigmented concrete elements featured in the podium and tower, contrasting with patinable earthen hued metals and timbers. At the ground level, an arched facade and slender canopy are integrated into the design to provide a strong street presence and shelter.
Rooftop Amenities and Economic Goals
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.” The development will increase the residential population within Fortitude Valley, support greater day-to-day activity, and contribute positively to local amenity.
According to property records, the entity behind the proposal acquired the Fortitude Valley site in 2022 for $12.74 million. The planning report prepared by Urbis noted that by introducing a critical mass of residents alongside complementary ground-level uses, the proposal will enhance activation of the public realm and reinforce the Valley Heart Precinct’s role as a focal point for vibrant inner-city living.
