A new development application signals a potential transformation for Wynnum’s town center, proposing an ambitious eight-story mixed-use building that would introduce significant residential density and commercial activity to the area. Submitted for a 2,014 square-meter site at 63 Bay Terrace, the project represents a significant step in the ongoing evolution of the Wynnum-Manly district. Designed by the architectural firm Plus Studio, the structure is envisioned to reach a maximum height of 28 meters, aligning with the regulations for the site’s designation within the Wynnum-Manly Neighbourhood Plan’s Major center zone. This proposal follows a growing trend of vertical, integrated developments in key suburban hubs, aiming to create a more vibrant and self-sufficient local economy. The application outlines a comprehensive plan that blends private living spaces with publicly accessible commercial ventures, all supported by extensive below-ground infrastructure, positioning the project as a potentially pivotal addition to the local streetscape.
A Vision for Integrated Living
The core of the proposed tower is its substantial residential offering, which aims to cater to a diverse range of households with a total of 78 modern apartments. The unit mix is heavily weighted towards family-friendly living, comprising 58 two-bedroom and 20 three-bedroom residences, a configuration that addresses the increasing demand for larger apartment formats in well-connected suburban locations. Complementing the private dwellings is a communal rooftop terrace, an amenity designed to provide residents with a shared recreational space offering expansive views and fostering a sense of community within the building. Below, the ground floor is dedicated to commercial “center activities,” a strategy intended to energize the Bay Terrace street front. This space is planned to house professional offices and a modern gym, directly integrating the building into the economic and social fabric of the Wynnum Central Precinct. This thoughtful combination of residential and commercial elements within a single footprint exemplifies a modern approach to urban planning, where convenience and lifestyle are paramount.
Enhancing the Public Realm
According to planning documents submitted by Mewing Planning Consultants, the development was conceived with a strong focus on positively contributing to its immediate urban environment and improving the pedestrian experience. A key element of this strategy was the inclusion of an “Entry Plaza” on Bay Terrace, which was designed to create an inviting and clearly defined sense of arrival for both residents and visitors to the ground-floor businesses. The design paid particular attention to the building’s interaction with the street, especially at the prominent corner of Bay Terrace and Charlotte Street, where the plans detailed an active retail shopfront intended to enhance visual interest and promote foot traffic. To soften the structure’s presence, the proposal incorporated podium landscaping and extensive boundary planting. Supporting this vision was a significant investment in infrastructure, with four basement levels providing 197 car spaces and 193 bicycle spaces, a provision that acknowledged the varied transportation needs of a modern community and solidified the project’s comprehensive approach to urban renewal.
