Graya has revealed plans for a new architectural landmark in Fortitude Valley’s James Street precinct, The Pavilion, a mixed-use retail and commercial project designed in collaboration with internationally acclaimed architect Koichi Takada.
Positioned on the former Bed Bath & Table site, The Pavilion represents Graya’s largest step yet into high-end retail and commercial development, following its recognition as Australian Developer of the Year at The Urban Developer Awards 2024.
The Pavilion would feature a dramatic open-to-air laneway at its core, connecting to surrounding retail spaces and creating a seamless flow between interior and exterior. According to the architect, the design integrates lush greenery, natural light, and sculptural forms, anchored by a central architectural staircase that ascends through the building and frames views of the James Street precinct.
Koichi Takada’s involvement continues his reputation for nature-inspired, human-centric architecture, evident in internationally recognised projects such as the National Museum of Qatar interiors, Sydney’s Arc by Crown Group, and Brisbane’s Urban Forest tower.
Graya plans to deliver a blend of luxury retail, boutique offices, and a signature hospitality venue within the building’s basement level. The lower-ground restaurant and bar component is positioned to become one of Brisbane’s most exclusive dining experiences, designed to rival top venues across Australia. Above, the rooftop garden would provide tenants and visitors with elevated views of the city while offering a natural retreat above the urban streetscape.
“The Pavilion James St fuses Koichi Takada’s celebrated architecture with Australia’s premier lifestyle precinct,” said Rob Gray, Co-Founder and Director of Graya. “It will attract world-class brands and further energise James Street, cementing Brisbane’s position on the global stage ahead of the Brisbane Olympics.”
Project Rundown
| Development Parameter | Proposed Development |
|---|---|
| Address: | 54–56 James Street and part of 166 Arthur Street, Fortitude Valley |
| Development Type: | Retail and Commercial Mixed-Use Development |
| Site Area: | 1,241m² |
| Gross Floor Area (GFA): | 3,445m² |
| Height: | 6 storeys / approximately 29.25 metres |
| Elevators: | x3 elevators |
| Communal Space: | Rooftop garden and landscaped terraces across multiple levels |
| Retail: | Five retail tenancies across ground and basement levels totalling 554m² |
| Car Parking: | 30 spaces across two basement levels (including 2 PWD spaces) |
| Bike Parking: | 22 total (18 employee and 4 visitor) |
| Developer: | Graya |
| Architect: | Koichi Takada Architects |
| Landscape Design: | Urbis |
| Town Planner: | Property Projects Australia Pty Ltd |
| Sustainability: | Rooftop Solar: Not specified Energy Efficiency: Buildings that Breathe principles, passive shading, facade articulation Waste Management: Dedicated 19m² refuse room with three collections per week and rear-loading truck access Water Conservation: Stormwater treatment via kerb gully pit and best-practice filtration baskets Green Landscaping: Large feature trees, deep soil planters (1.4m depth, 7.14m³ soil volume), cascading subtropical planting Active Transport Facilities: End-of-trip facilities and secure bike storage at ground level |
| Date Submitted: | 7 November 2025 |
| Assessment Level: | Code Assessment |
| DA Application Link: | A006899122 |
Co-Founder Andrew Gray added that Takada’s nature-driven design ethos was the perfect fit for the leafy, community-oriented James Street environment. “Our goal is to deliver a design that both complements and elevates that atmosphere,” he said.
Founded by brothers Rob and Andrew Gray, Graya has evolved from a high-end residential builder into a diversified property group known for architecturally bold developments across Brisbane. Alongside The Pavilion, Graya is also progressing a nearby Richard & Spence-designed commercial project on James Street, marking a growing influence in both residential and mixed-use sectors.
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An interesting and attractive Koichi Takada Design. The construction height is to be commended. Medium rise buildings are far more attractive and are less impeding in street daylight and air movement. What’s interesting is that this investment is amenable to the developers, whereas usually we have to endure the construction of high rise feature-less architecture when it comes to residential apartments in the West End and South Brisbane areas.
Yes indeed