Frasers Lodges Design Change for Chester & Morse Towers in Newstead

Frasers Property Australia has submitted a revised development application for its Chester & Morse site in Newstead, proposing a significant design evolution from the previously approved scheme.

The new proposal introduces two 15-storey residential towers in place of a single 17-storey building, while reducing the total number of dwellings and improving architectural articulation and public realm integration.

The revised design by Rothelowman adopts a pavilion-style tower concept known as “Fernhouse Pavilions”. Each apartment is positioned to a corner, maximising cross-ventilation, privacy, and expansive views toward Newstead, New Farm and the CBD. The towers are intentionally offset to open up view corridors and reduce overshadowing, delivering a more slender and legible form that integrates more comfortably into the neighbourhood.

Architectural rendering of ground-level plaza space along Morse Street with deep planting zones.

Architectural rendering of deep planting zones.

Architectural rendering of the Chester Street frontage featuring podium landscaping and terrace homes.

The proposal also includes a fully open-to-sky public plaza along Morse Street, supported by deep planting zones to accommodate mature canopy trees. The podium levels are activated with resident amenities such as a gym, wellness space and lounge areas which directly overlook the plaza. On Chester Street, a smaller semi-private resident park offers communal outdoor space as a quieter counterpart to the more active Morse Street frontage.

Rooftop terraces crown both towers, each featuring pools, BBQ areas, lawns, and shaded dining pavilions. These elevated communal zones aim to foster a sense of community while taking advantage of Brisbane’s subtropical climate and panoramic outlooks.

Architectural rendering of rooftop recreation areas atop the proposed residential towers.

Architectural rendering of rooftop recreation areas atop the proposed residential towers.

Architectural rendering of the Fernhouse Pavilions of the proposed Chester & Morse development

Architectural rendering of the interior of the proposed Chester & Morse development

Architectural rendering of the Chester Street frontage featuring podium landscaping and terrace homes.

The project draws on design cues from the evolving architectural identity of the James Street precinct, with materiality and form inspired by the subtropical minimalism popularised by The Calile Hotel, including arched structures, warm-toned finishes, and layered green edges.

Project Rundown

Want to get notified if purchase opportunities in this project become available?

Are you interested in receiving future sales and marketing information about this project? While we don’t know exactly when sales for this project will commence, your details will be added to a database of interested Brisbane Development buyers. If the developer chooses to access the database, you could be among the first to be contacted by their team when sales begin.

No commitment—just the opportunity to secure your place at the front of the queue for Brisbane’s next great address. 

Name

Email

Phone

Post code

What best describes you?

Select First home buyer Owner occupier Downsizer Investor Overseas investor Just looking

Your Budget

Select Up to $600,000 $600,000 - $800,000 $800,000 - $1,000,000 $1,000,000 - $1,500,000 $1,500,000 - $3,000,000 $3,000,000+

Bedroom Type

Select 1 bedroom 2 bedrooms 3 bedrooms 4 bedrooms

Preferred method of contact?

Select Phone call Text message Email

Optional info:

Price information Brochure Floorplans Inspection

Include a message:

Acceptance

By submitting this enquiry, you have read and agree to our Terms of use, Privacy Policy and Privacy collection notice.

Submit enquiry

Key Design Changes: Approved vs Proposed

Resident’s Garden vs Civic Space Suggestion

Architectural rendering of the proposed ‘Resident’s Garden’ lane

Landscape plan of proposed ground floor plan

Architectural rendering of the proposed ‘Resident’s Garden’ lane

Many councils across Australia promote the delivery of shared community spaces and accessible green areas that contribute to the broader public realm. In this proposal, the resident’s garden is designed as a gated space, accessible only via resident swipe or code, effectively functioning as a private laneway. While well landscaped, its enclosed nature raises the risk that the space remains underutilised, serving a limited number of people despite its prominent interface with the street.

To achieve greater community benefit and stronger urban integration, this area could be reconsidered as a publicly accessible civic space. A relevant precedent is Izett Street Park in Prahran, Melbourne, completed by the City of Stonnington in August 2024, which successfully converted a similar edge condition into a shared open space accessible to both residents and the wider community.

Izett Street Park. Source: City of Stonnington.

Izett Street Park. Source: Visuals by Campbell and City of Stonnington.

The proposed change application now includes two separate stages. One tower and the basement are part of stage one and the second tower forms part of stage two. A staging plan is provided as part of the architectural drawings.

Frasers Property Australia is the developer behind the proposal and has a long-standing presence in Brisbane’s residential development market. Their past projects in the city include the riverfront Hamilton Reach precinct and a range of mid and high-rise buildings across the eastern seaboard.

The Chester & Morse project aims to bridge two of Brisbane’s most established lifestyle precincts, James Street and Gasworks, via a centralised plaza and activated ground plane that enhances walkability and public connection across the site.

Plans

Landscape Plans

Landscape plan of proposed ground floor plan

Landscape plan of proposed rooftop recreation decks