A development application has been lodged for a transformative two-tower project at 309 North Quay, Brisbane, that would reshape the city’s western gateway.
Proposed by Shayher Alliance and designed by Blight Rayner and Plus Studio, the development comprises 56- and 51-storey towers supported by a landscaped podium and retail precinct. The scheme would deliver 1,122 apartments alongside a mix of retail, hotel and short-term accommodation, but one of the most striking inclusions is a sky restaurant and lounge planned across levels 54 and 55 of Tower 1.
The double-height dining venue would sit more than 180 metres above the river bend, offering panoramic views of the CBD, South Bank and Mt Coot-tha. Floorplans show a full hospitality program with bar areas, show kitchen, wine displays and private dining rooms, positioning it as one of Brisbane’s highest restaurants and a potential destination in its own right
According to the architects Blight Rayner and Plus Studio, the towers are designed with slender proportions and dynamic faceted glazing, maximising natural light and cross-ventilation. The podium features a “cliff garden” concept, layering subtropical greenery across sculpted terraces that connect the towers with the street.
The podium also incorporates 1,534m² of retail and food and beverage spaces, creating an active frontage and a lively ground plane. A pedestrian arcade and landscaped public plaza link North Quay and May Street, providing permeability through the site.
Project Rundown
Development Parameter | Proposed Development |
---|---|
Address: | 309 North Quay, Brisbane City |
Development Type: | Mixed-use residential towers (Residential & Serviced Apartments) |
Site Area: | Lot 30 on RP169792 |
Gross Floor Area (GFA): | Refer to BCC GFA schedule (significant mixed-use yield) |
Height: | Tower 1 – 56 storeys (213.15m) / Tower 2 – 51 storeys (195.75m) |
Apartments: | 1,122 dwellings total, comprising: – 1-Bedroom: 304 – 1-Bedroom + MPR: 128 – 2-Bedroom: 556 – 3-Bedroom: 113 – 4-Bedroom: 21 |
Elevators: | Multiple residential and service lifts across both towers (lift-to-unit ratio approx. 1:47) |
Communal Space: | Sky lobby and restaurant at level 54–55 with dining and lounge, podium recreation areas, landscaped cliff garden. Podium level pool, spas, gyms, lounges and library. |
Retail: | 1,534m² of retail and food & beverage tenancies within podium |
Car Parking: | 852 spaces |
Bike Parking: | Approx. 47 bike parks within podium and street frontages |
Developer: | Shayher Alliance |
Architect: | Blight Rayner and Plus Studio |
Landscape Design: | Urbis |
Town Planner: | Urbis |
Sustainability: | – Rooftop Solar: No proposed solar on plans for communal building energy consumption – Energy Efficiency: Passive design, facade shading, Buildings that Breathe principles – Waste Management: Dedicated refuse room with compactor and baler, recycling chutes provided for resident use – Water Conservation: Stormwater treatment systems proposed – Green Landscaping: “Cliff garden” podium with layered subtropical planting, varied street tree palette – Active Transport Facilities: Bike parking and cross-block pedestrian link |
Date Submitted: | September 2025 |
Assessment Level: | Code Assessment |
DA Application Link: | A006860648 |
Above, residential amenities include a double-level sky lobby at levels 54 and 55 featuring a restaurant, lounges, private dining rooms and communal gathering areas with elevated city views.
App-d-Architectural-Plan-p2-draggedThe landscape design by Urbis responds directly to Brisbane City Council feedback. While initial concepts focused heavily on Hoop Pines, the current plans adopt a more diverse species palette, including Waterhousea floribunda and Flindersia australis. This approach creates a layered subtropical canopy and aligns with adjoining parkland character.
The towers would deliver 1,122 apartments in total. The mix includes one, two, three and four-bedroom apartments as well as branded residences in Tower 1. Unit sizes vary from compact one-bedroom layouts of 50–70m² to expansive four-bedroom penthouses above 200m². Each apartment is designed with private balconies, typically around 8–15m², supporting outdoor living.
The inclusion of branded residences and a hotel/short-term accommodation component provides flexibility for both permanent residents and visitors.
The site is strategically located within walking distance of the new Roma Street Cross River Rail station and Brisbane Metro, creating one of the city’s best-served transport precincts. A cross-block pedestrian link from North Quay to May Street further enhances permeability. Vehicle access is proposed via Saul Street, with 852 basement car parks provided.
This application supersedes a previous proposal for two-tower commercial scheme submitted back in 2021 by Charter Hall.
Shayher Alliance is the developer behind the proposal. The company has delivered significant projects in Brisbane, including the landmark 300 George Street mixed-use development and the redevelopment of the former RNA Showgrounds precinct. The 309 North Quay project reflects Shayher’s continued investment in high-density urban renewal projects in Brisbane’s CBD.
Shayher Alliance’s proposal for 309 North Quay marks its second major development in Brisbane’s CBD, following the completion of the Brisbane Quarter precinct at 300 George Street. That project delivered a mixed-use outcome combining premium office space, the luxury W Brisbane hotel, and residential apartments.
There needs to be a dedicated hotel component in the upper floors of one tower from a brand that is new to Brisbane as we are desperately short of hotel rooms in the lead up to 2032. This would be an ideal place for a 5 Star hotel with river views, airport connection and close to Suncorp Stadium and the new Olympic venues.
The podium is basically a 4 story concrete wall hiding a carpark – this sort of thing destroys our cities… Council needs to force more cars underground into the basement and activate the podium more with commerical space / extra retail / ammenity for residential.
This would be great for that space it need an upgrade
It’s such crass and second-rate architecture it resembles some awful 1980s development. What a lost opportunity.
The design of these towers suck! podium is disgusting!