Developer KS Property, has submitted a development application to Brisbane City Council for a significant residential-led mixed-use project comprising two 30-storey towers located at 62-66 Merivale Street, South Brisbane.
The proposal features an elegant dual-tower design, articulated through flowing balconies and substantial green infrastructure, intended to significantly enhance the local streetscape and contribute positively to Brisbane’s subtropical urban fabric.
The development aims to redefine urban sustainability by incorporating ambitious green features that extend beyond standard expectations. Finegrain Group’s design incorporates 1,137 square metres of green walls that envelop the podium, providing both environmental benefits and visual enhancement to the pedestrian realm.
Architect Finegrain Group has emphasised sustainability and subtropical living in the design, delivering naturally ventilated corridors, abundant greenery, and thoughtfully curated communal areas. According to the architect, the project’s design “showcases elegant sculptural forms with undulating balconies that create a sense of movement and sophistication.” This approach visually separates the two towers with clear breaks at the podium, recreation floors, and rooftop terraces.

The development includes extensive resident amenities strategically distributed across various levels, each with distinct features designed to cater to community and lifestyle needs. At ground level, the design integrates public verandah spaces featuring retail tenancies, seating areas, and substantial tree planting to encourage pedestrian activity along Merivale and Russell Streets. Between levels two and five, vertical green facades are proposed to add visual interest and ecological benefits.
Level five introduces a distinctive landscaped area inspired by subtropical gorge environments, with columnar trees and cascading plantings. Level 17 provides a double-height wellness zone that includes pools, spa facilities, hot and cold plunge pools, informal relaxation areas, BBQ and dining spaces, complemented by dense subtropical landscaping. At the top of the building, Level 30 is planned as a rooftop “sky park,” offering communal open lawns, shaded seating pods, private dining areas, a wine cellar, cinemas, multipurpose rooms, and flexible workspaces, aiming to support various social and recreational activities for residents.
In total, the proposal promises 3,272 square metres of communal open space, equivalent to 148% of the site’s area, reinforcing the project’s commitment to community well-being and lifestyle quality.
Green infrastructure is central to the proposal, achieving a green plot ratio of 129%, which translates to 4,654 square metres of lush vegetation, including deep planting zones, green facades, and containerised planting throughout the project.
Plant selections emphasise subtropical species such as Golden Penda, Blue Quandong, and Giant Peace Lily, reflecting Brisbane’s unique climate and reinforcing ecological benefits such as biodiversity, urban cooling, and improved air quality.
The landscape strategy is complemented by practical sustainability measures, including a 30,000-litre irrigation tank to sustainably manage water usage throughout the project’s expansive landscaping areas.
Finegrain Group highlights that “the project embraces Brisbane’s subtropical identity and commitment to sustainable growth, harmoniously blending natural and built environments. The design not only elevates aesthetic and environmental value but fosters a strong sense of community interaction and connection to place.”
The proposed design actively engages pedestrians, providing a large, welcoming public verandah at street level. This space integrates retail activity, shaded seating areas, and extensive landscaping to enhance walkability and public interaction between Russell Street and Merivale Street.
Advanced Bars plans further enhancements with public art installations in collaboration with Brisbane City Council’s Public Art Committee, alongside a bespoke lighting design to accentuate the flowing facades and podium greenery, enhancing the building’s visual impact during both day and night.
Project Rundown
Development Parameter | Proposed Development |
---|---|
Address: | 62-66 Merivale Street, South Brisbane |
Development Type: | Residential-led mixed-use (Apartments, Retail, Office) |
Site Area: | 3,635 sqm |
Gross Floor Area (GFA): | 45,450 sqm (Residential: 45,325 sqm; Retail: 125 sqm) |
Height: | 30 storeys / approximately 134 metres RL |
Apartments: | 480 units (84 x 1-bed, 252 x 2-bed, 96 x 3-bed, 48 x 4-bed) |
Elevators: | Four lifts per tower (lift-to-unit ratio 1:60) |
Communal Space: | 3,272 sqm (148% of site area), includes pools, spas, sports courts, cinema, private dining, lounges |
Retail: | 125 sqm at ground floor |
Car Parking: | 541 spaces (514 residential, 24 visitor, 3 retail, 2 car share) |
Bike Parking: | 600 spaces (480 resident, 120 visitor) |
Developer: | KS Property |
Architect: | Finegrain Group |
Landscape Design: | Aspect Studios |
Town Planner: | Mewing Planning Consultants |
Sustainability: | Rooftop Solar: Not specified Energy Efficiency: Subtropical passive design, natural ventilation Waste Management: Dedicated waste management strategy Water Conservation: 30,000-litre irrigation tank Green Landscaping: Extensive green walls, deep planting Active Transport Facilities: High provision of bike parking, proximity to transit |
Date Submitted: | May 2025 |
Assessment Level: | Code Assessment |
DA Application Link: | A006769258 |
The development is spearheaded by Advanced Bars Pty Ltd, acting as trustee for the Merivale Properties Unit Trust, a dedicated vehicle established specifically for the project at 62–66 Merivale Street. Advanced Bars is associated with Melbourne-based developer KS Property, led by directors James and John Kaias.
The Kaias family has a growing presence in Brisbane, notably behind high-profile projects such as the residential Opera Residences and the commercial tower Mobo, both located in South Brisbane. Their recent ventures also include a landmark 71-storey residential tower designed by acclaimed architect Koichi Takada in Brisbane’s CBD.