New 70-metre tower approved for site of former boxing gym

A new residential tower has been approved for construction on the site of a former gym that burnt down.

The 20-storey building at 12 Kyabra Street in Newstead will be about 70 metres tall, and comprise 65 two- and three-bedroom apartments.

A pool, sun lounge, sauna and barbecue area are planned for the communal rooftop area. It will also have 88 parking spaces.

No visible construction work had begun at the cleared site on Wednesday.

The project is in a fast-developing area of Newstead, with the vast Little Italy precinct under construction just over 100 metres away.

The site also backs on to The Triffid live music venue, which has previously raised concerns about residential development in the area.

An appeal against the Kyabra Street development was lodged in court, but a representative for The Triffid’s landlord said this related to a technicality over specific conditions and was amicably resolved.

Units in the new building – to be called Crest & Walker – will go on sale in May. According to the developer, Fortis, prices will start at about $1.8 million.

Construction is expected to be finished before the end of 2028.

“Our focus is always on creating places that feel connected to their neighbourhood and elevate the everyday experience for residents,” Dan Boman from Fortis said in a statement.

“Newstead continues to evolve as one of Brisbane’s most sought-after urban communities, and Crest & Walker reflects our ambition to contribute meaningfully to that story.”

The building was designed by Bureau^Proberts, while Arcadia did the landscape architecture.

The block was previously occupied by Fortitude Boxing, which burnt down in the middle of the night in July 2019.

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