A development application has been lodged by JGL Properties for Brisbane Place, a major new commercial project in the heart of Brisbane’s CBD. The proposal seeks to deliver a 38-storey office tower framed by a highly sensitive heritage and landscape setting at 131 Edward Street.
The development is situated within the Cathedral Precinct, bounded by Edward and Charlotte Streets, and would involve the adaptive reuse of several heritage-listed buildings including the Exchange Hotel (also known as the Stock Exchange Hotel), Penola Place, and the F.H. Faulding Warehouse.
Designed by Blight Rayner, the proposed tower would rise approximately 160 metres and deliver more than 66,000 square metres of gross floor area. The design introduces a sculpted and visually recessed form above the heritage street frontages, allowing light and air to permeate the site while preserving key views towards St Stephen’s Cathedral.
The building adopts Brisbane’s subtropical design principles, with rooftop gardens, operable façades, and external terraces that support natural ventilation and occupant wellbeing. According to the design documents, the upper levels of the tower would feature landscaped breakout spaces offering panoramic views across the city and Brisbane River.
The proposal includes the creation of new publicly accessible cross-block connections between Edward Street, Charlotte Street and the cathedral grounds. A central plaza and civic amphitheatre space are proposed as part of the public realm upgrades, supported by new retail tenancies and laneway activations.
The Exchange Hotel is set to be revitalised with a two-level wine bar, while Penola Place would be transformed into a pedestrian thoroughfare linking through to the cathedral. Loading and servicing functions, previously located along active frontages, would be relocated and concealed to improve pedestrian safety and amenity.
Landscape architecture by WILDStudio draws on the site’s cultural history and its ecological context, referencing former creek lines that once traversed the area. Landscape features include a “Creekbed” garden, “Waterhole” plaza and “Cloud Forest” elevated gardens. Mature trees including Leopard, Jacaranda and Fig species are proposed to be retained and integrated where possible, with a focus on subtropical planting and stormwater-sensitive design.
The Level 6 pool deck at Brisbane Place is designed as a subtropical retreat featuring a main swimming pool, hot and cold plunge pools, outdoor showers, daybeds and rainforest planting. Known as the “Waterhole,” the space offers a secluded, breezy setting with filtered city views. A gym and treatment room adjoin the pool area, forming part of a broader network of landscaped communal spaces that promote wellbeing and reflect the tower’s subtropical design approach.
Project Rundown
| Development Parameter | Proposed Development |
|---|---|
| Address: | 131, 149, and 149A Edward Street; 168, 172–178, and 188 Charlotte Street, Brisbane City |
| Development Type: | Commercial (Office, Shop, Food and Drink Outlet, Bar, Hotel) |
| Site Area: | 5,070m² |
| Gross Floor Area (GFA): | Approximately 66,550m² |
| Height: | 38 storeys / approximately 177.3 metres |
| Elevators: | 12 lifts (lift-to-unit ratio not applicable for commercial) |
| Communal Space: | Level 6 pool deck featuring a main swimming pool, hot and cold plunge pools, outdoor showers, daybeds and rainforest planting, rooftop terraces, ground-level amphitheatre, landscaped plazas |
| Retail: | A ground level cafe and two-storey wine bar in the heritage Exchange Hotel building |
| Car Parking: | Basement car park with connection to St Stephen’s Cathedral car park |
| Bike Parking: | Yes, integrated within end-of-trip facilities |
| Developer: | JGL Properties / Brisbane Place Pty Ltd |
| Architect: | Blight Rayner Architecture |
| Landscape Design: | WILDStudio |
| Town Planner: | Urbis |
| Sustainability: | Rooftop Solar: Integrated within roof terrace structures Energy Efficiency: Targeting 5 Star Green Star and NABERS ratings Waste Management: On-site waste and recycling system, including separation facilities Water Conservation: Irrigated subtropical planting and water-sensitive design Green Landscaping: Rooftop gardens, vertical greenery, and shade trees Active Transport Facilities: End-of-trip facilities including showers and bike storage |
| Date Submitted: | 4 April 2025 |
| Assessment Level: | Code Assessment |
| DA Application Link: | A006746611 |
The application outlines compliance with Brisbane’s Buildings that Breathe design framework, incorporating layered façades, sun-shading devices, natural air circulation, and rooftop solar infrastructure. End-of-trip facilities, inclusive access routes, and waste and water management systems are also proposed. A 5 Star Green Star rating is targeted, alongside high NABERS energy performance.
The tower would be delivered within a complex site area of 5,070m² across multiple lots, some of which have existing development and heritage approvals in place. This includes certificates granted for selective works to the F.H. Faulding Warehouse, Penola Place carriageway and the grounds surrounding St Stephen’s Cathedral. According to planning documents, the application does not propose additional demolition to any heritage elements but rather integrates and adapts them within the new public and commercial realm.
The development is located within walking distance of key CBD destinations including Queen Street Mall, Eagle Street Pier, the new Cross River Rail Albert Street Station, and the future Kangaroo Point Green Bridge. The proposal is subject to code assessment under the Brisbane City Plan 2014 and is currently under consideration.
JGL Properties is a privately owned Brisbane-based property development and investment firm led by Managing Director John Livingstone. The company has delivered a number of high-profile projects across the city, including the Newstead Series residential development and Jubilee Place in Fortitude Valley, which incorporated the restoration of the heritage-listed Jubilee Hotel. Known for its design-led approach, JGL Properties focuses on projects that integrate architecture, public realm and heritage elements, contributing to the character and evolution of Brisbane’s urban landscape.
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Wow they knocked it out of the park on this one.
Love it. Great integration of old charm and modern design. Great work. It will be iconic.
That looks terrible. Like it’s going to fall and flatten the old building. Talk about being only good for developers. It looks heavy and bulky from every angle.
Is this an April Fools Day joke? The base of this building is an absolute abomination. How any self respecting architect could put their name to this visual atrocity is beyond comprehension.
Disgusting. The architect’s name is appropriate ‘Blight Rayner’. What a blight on the landscape. Top heavy monstrosity that looks like it could topple over. One of the features that makes that part of the city appealing is the lack of skyscrapers. This thing will cast a massive shadow over the church grounds. Is nothing sacred anymore. Of course not; bring on the profits for the greedy developers!