South Brisbane property development aims to ease rental squeeze
New design plans have been revealed for the student accommodation tower in South Brisbane as construction continues.
The building at 41 Tribune Street, directly opposite the South Bank bus terminal, will be a Scape facility with 527 beds over 17 floors.
There will be a mix of studio and two-bedroom apartments with retail, food and beverage outlets on the ground floor.
“South Brisbane is one of the most logical locations for student accommodation in the city,” Scape Group managing director of developments Jonathan Combley said in a statement.
“Demand continues to outpace supply and this project is a direct response to that.
“This … [shows] “Scape’s long-term commitment to providing high-quality accommodation that supports the city’s growing student population whilst also helping to relieve pressure on the wider rental market.”
As of Friday afternoon, about a dozen workers were at the construction site next to an existing Scape tower.
Updated design plans were submitted to Brisbane City Council in June, resulting in a significantly more boxy façade. The company refused to explain why this decision was made.
Artist impressions of the orange tower reveal that it will be much taller than the existing buildings in the surrounding area. They also show off the new trees planted along the street.
Scape has held the site on Tribune Street since at least 2020. It was previously Hoo Ha Bar, and before that it was occupied by the software company Sauce.
Student accommodation is a growing business in Brisbane.
In 2024, major developer Dexus announced it would transform the former Mineral House at 41 George Street, previously the home of Queensland public servants, into a student center with around 1200 beds.
Conversion plan Student housing at 150 Charlotte Street was later scrapped. The 18-storey building, which was mostly vacant, was sold to Dexus in April for less than half the price it bought in 2017. The developer confirmed it plans to attract new office tenants following the refurbishment.
The Property Council of Australia said in June that accommodation for about 14,000 students was being built across Australia.
Construction company McNab is building the South Brisbane tower.
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