Plus Studio and ICD Property have lodged a design application for a landmark riverside precinct in Brisbane’s historic West End – a transformative masterplanned development that will reimagine a 1.68-hectare former industrial site on Donkin Street as a vibrant residential and community destination, reinforcing Brisbane’s growth as a global city.
The masterplan leverages the site’s sweeping river, city and Mount Coot-tha views, arranging five 30-storey towers and one 12-storey tower in two complementary groupings – three river-facing and three urban-facing – to create a cohesive development that celebrates the meeting of river and city.
Plus Studio Director Danny Juric said the Donkin Street development represents a city-shaping opportunity for Brisbane and is Plus Studio’s largest masterplanned project to date in Queensland.
“This is a rare chance to transform an underutilised industrial site into a new riverside landmark. We’ve drawn on the character of West End while responding to the lifestyle and landscape qualities that define Brisbane today, creating a destination that connects the city’s past and future.”
Working closely with placemaking consultants Urbis, we’ve designed a public realm that fosters interaction at every level – a pedestrian laneway linking the riverfront to the city edge, punctuated with pocket parks, food and beverage offerings, and flexible spaces for markets and community events.”
At ground level, the pedestrianised laneway and public spaces draw inspiration from West End’s cultural and built fabric, providing a vibrant spine from the river to the city. Bridges linking Tower One and Tower Three across the laneway further enhance permeability and create a truly integrated community. Significant mature fig trees – some more than 200 years old – will be retained and celebrated within a network of subtropical boulevards and green spaces that unify the development and bring residents and visitors closer to the river.
Above the podium, 1,108 apartments and townhouses are elevated to capture river and city views, offering a diverse mix of layouts and lifestyle options. Rooftops and podium terraces will feature lush greenery, with extensive shared amenities including a terraced amphitheatre, lap pool, spa and sauna, gym, BBQ areas, coworking spaces and yoga and pilates studios encouraging community connection.
Architecturally, each tower has its own identity, with the river-facing towers adopting light, natural palettes, while the urban-facing towers feature bolder tones. The sculptural tower forms rise above an industrial-inspired base, creating a striking contemporary counterpoint to the area’s heritage context.
ICD Property CEO Matthew Khoo said the Donkin Street development marks ICD’s first Queensland project and a benchmark for integrated riverside living.
“Working alongside Plus Studio and Urbis has allowed us to craft a place that enhances West End’s unique character while providing genuine spaces for connection and community life to flourish. This project represents our investment in Brisbane’s future and our belief in the transformative power of thoughtful development
