Within the Bowen Hills Priority Development Area, a development application has been submitted by Jubilee Project (QLD) Pty Ltd to build a 14-storey commercial tower at 470 St Pauls Terrace.

The new building would have 18,166 sqm of commercial office space (GFA) with a public plaza and laneway plus new ground level retail tenants, including a new beer garden.

This new plaza would highlight the existing heritage building as the ‘jewel’ or key architectural component of the precinct. To reveal the full heritage character of the Jubilee Hotel, all of the modern redundant structures will be removed.

The project proposes a theme of ‘diversification and innovation,’ according to the development application, by assigning the lower levels of the tower as an innovative ‘startup’ hub, a ground trend around the Fortitude Valley-Bowen Hills area.

The site has challenges, such as how to preserve the heritage of the Jubilee Hotel, while adding the 14-story tower. The architects, Blight Rayner, have minimised the tower’s mass is by using a cantilevered design. This structural design is a lightweight approach, suitable for the site as it is built over the M7 tunnel.

Two basement levels have been proposed to accommodate 91 carparks. In addition, a cycle club with 104 bikes, 200 lockers and 17 showers is also planned.

A subtropical rooftop garden design proposed by Lat27 will create a space for functions with its large deck areas, and views of the city. The space can be used for client events, team BBQs and smaller, more intimate events. Shade and cooling on the roof is set to be provided by dense vegetation and shaded seating areas.

The development proposal is a 6 Star Green Star, 5 Star NABERS and Gold WELL Building Standard, with rooftop solar panels.