RG Property to redevelop historic Fortitude Valley Bread Factory

The national property developer RG Property have lodged plans for a 15-storey residential tower in the heart of the buzzing Fortitude Valley.

The base of the tower, proposed for 36 Warry Street, is weaved into the existing heritage fabric that occupies the site, blending in between the buildings of Keating’s Bread Factory, which was established back in 1879 before becoming one of the major bread making companies in Brisbane.

Designed by Blight Rayner, the Warry St development will comprise a total 118 apartments, with a mix of one, two, three and four-bedroom residences.

View of the proposed development from Kennigo Street. Credit: Blight Rayner

The ground level concept is to integrate the heritage buildings with the new built environment by linking them into a pedestrian laneway activated by food and retail outlets, forming the heart of the development.

“Initially, the historic buildings are intended to retain their predominantly office uses but over time, they may gradually change to retail and dining uses once the laneway gains a reputation as a hub of day and night life in Spring Hill,” said Blight Rayner in their development documents. 

“The strategy for integrating new and old is twofold. One, by way of matching podium scale and two, by using a contemporary version of the heritage material palette, seeking not to imitate but add a new complimentary layer to the old,” they added.

Level one will home a yoga/pilates terrace along with a gym, which will overlook the bustling streetscape, in addition to three apartments that open out on to surrounding gardens.

Elevated view above Warry St. Credit: Blight Rayner

Four vertical gardens, one on each side, are planned to enable vines to drape down each level and to grow laterally onto adjoining screens on the street-facing elevations.

Designed with the owner-occupier in mind, apartments offer a variety of layouts and floorplans, catering to differing living and lifestyles.

Large balconies are provided to all apartments and depending upon their orientation, balconies are variously open or screened.

The balconies provide depth to the three-dimensional form creating articulation around all sides, generally positioned on the corners of the building, giving two-way views as well as softening the built form.

“The typical apartment floors are accessed by an L-shaped corridor that opens up to gardens at each end and is naturally ventilated. The layout enables the majority of apartment balconies to occupy corners to optimise both outlook and aspect."

Elevated view above the existing heritage building. Credit: Blight Rayner

Two penthouse levels provide larger apartments on the southern side of the tower, while creating a distinctive top to the built form.

Crowning the tower will be an expansive roof garden and swimming pool, with the intent that plants will drape over each edge and be highly visible from the streets and afar. The gardens will also screen the plant enclosure and surround a large barbecue plaza for its solar protection, reinforced by a lightweight, open pergola structure

The site has relatively good access to buses and Fortitude Valley Train Station, while sitting within walking distance of the Brisbane CBD, the new Fortitude Valley State Secondary College, and a host of other convenient amenities.

“The 36 Warry Street Project represents an exciting opportunity to enhance Spring Hill as a lifestyle precinct and inner-city destination."