First look exclusive: New sustainable, subtropical mixed-use development to reshape Kangaroo Point

Delta Australia, who developed Brisbane's Riparian Plaza skyscraper nearly two decades ago, are looking to their next game-changing project.

They've submitted plans for striking mixed-use development at 26 Cairns Street, Kangaroo Point, taking full advantage of its 4,964 sqm waterfront location on the site of the historic Evans Deakins Dry Dock area.

Delta acquired the site in mid-2019. They said they were attracted primarily by the unique and challenging opportunity it offers to create a defining development for Kangaroo Point and the city of Brisbane

They are planning a tower with 232 apartments, stacked high so there can be extensive ground place activation.

Scott Collins from Delta Australia said Kangaroo Point will play a "pivotal role" shaping the future of Brisbane.

“Having personally lived in Kangaroo Point I have benefited from an appreciation of, and the responsibility associated with, the inherent quality and uniqueness of the Kangaroo Point peninsular, inclusive of this site location adjacent to an historical dry dock," Collins said.

"Not only does Kangaroo Point possess a special place in Brisbane’s history, it also assumes a pivotal role in shaping the future of Brisbane’s dynamic inner city communities and their landscapes; both built and natural forms.

"Within this dynamic, we take very seriously the responsibility and leadership that is incumbent upon us to procure a progressive and leading development, balancing the interests of stakeholders and advancing the design aspirations of others in collaboration with the City.”

Delta has called on both Architectus and Singapore-based architecture firm WOHA to work in collaboration on the design of the project. The pair worked together to create 443 Queen Street, Brisbane's newest landmark.

Architectus has been involved in some of the best-loved urban spaces in Brisbane like the Gallery of Modern Art, while WOHA, led by Aussie architect Richard Hassell, predominantly design projects in Singapore, but have lent their expertise to a new premium project in Perth's Applecross.

“When I met Scott in Singapore, I was really impressed by his passion to set new standards with this development," Hassell said.

"He was quite familiar with our work and was completely in agreement on our five ratios for high amenity, inner city developments. As we have worked on this project, the problem was always - how can we get this public space to work, rather than questioning whether it was necessary.”

The proposal is for 232 apartments, a mix of 40 one-bedroom apartments, 112 two-beds, 72 three-beds, and eight four-bed apartments. 458 parking spaces will be provided across the basement levels.

In their Architect Intent Report, Architectus and WOHA called 26 Cairns a "subtropical tower that expresses the contemporary spirit of Brisbane, the New World City."

They cited Design-Led City and the Buildings that Breathe, Brisbane City Council's recently released new strategies which seek to enhance the city's reputation as a liveable, vibrant, green, and prosperous city.

"This development is both an exemplary outcome of these policy documents, and a unique solution inspired by its special site."

"The development marks this superb waterfront location with a green, elegant tower that is distinctive without being ostentatious. The design emphasizes civic generosity, community and sustainability through its extensive greenery, generous public spaces and vertical village concept."

In their Architect Intent Report, Architectus and WOHA called 26 Cairns a "subtropical tower that expresses the contemporary spirit of Brisbane, the New World City."

They cited Design-Led City and the Buildings that Breathe, Brisbane City Council's recently released new strategies which seek to enhance the city's reputation as a liveable, vibrant, green, and prosperous city.

"This development is both an exemplary outcome of these policy documents, and a unique solution inspired by its special site."

"The development marks this superb waterfront location with a green, elegant tower that is distinctive without being ostentatious. The design emphasizes civic generosity, community and sustainability through its extensive greenery, generous public spaces and vertical village concept."

They said their vision was for a next generation, sustainable, subtropical tower.

"The team have worked from first principles to imagine a subtropical, sustainable, community-oriented project that would be an asset to the neighbourhood and the city.

"The desire is for Kangaroo Point to be better after the project’s completion. More connected, with more recreation and dining options, more nature, more water, more trees and flowers, more birds, more fish, more places to cycle or walk the dog, or bring the kids down to the river."

They said a key word is regenerative.

"This development will regenerate nature and biodiversity, regenerate community and social interaction, regenerate environmental services."

The rooftop will home extensive resident amenity, with a main pool, plunge pool, and kids pool, flanked by day beds and outdoor seating areas, a playground, and barbecue facilities. There's also a room for a kids club, a steam room and sauna, a gym with movement studio and changing rooms, a business centre and library with an event terrace and boardroom, and a "party penthouse" with kitchen, dining and seating areas. The rooftop is set in extensive landscaping by RPS.

There had been approval on the site by the former owner for two towers, one 17 levels the other 13. They were to home 311 apartments and some retail and commercial.