BRISBANE archdiocese has unveiled plans for an eight-storey commercial building neighbouring one of the city’s oldest churches.
The development would transform the grounds of the state-heritage-listed St Patrick’s Church in Fortitude Valley.
Architects BVN were enlisted to design a mixed-use building, incorporating a function space, communal rooftop and public area, to be sited on the southeastern portion of the existing Morgan Street block and with spectacular city views.
A code assessable development application has been lodged with Brisbane City Council.
“The driving force behind this application is the need to ensure the parish can financially support its ageing St Patrick’s church, which has been part of the community for more than 140 years,” a Brisbane archdiocesan spokesman said.
“The parish also maintains the historic St Stephen’s Cathedral, which requires ongoing maintenance.
“Both churches have long-standing roles in their communities and we want them to be places of gathering for another 150-plus years.”
St Patrick’s Church was built between 1880-1882 and soon became a city landmark. It replaced an earlier St Patrick’s, erected in Wickham Street.
The proposed development retains the current setting of the St Patrick’s and reaffirms its cultural significance in Fortitude Valley, without impacting on the fabric of the existing church building.
The development would include two basement levels to accommodate 132 car parking spaces, and 115 bike spaces.
“The proposed design offers a contemporary, flexible and sustainable building designed for the 21st century, with interwoven community workplace and significant landscaped realms at ground, balcony and rooftop levels,” the spokesman said.
Levels two to seven would provide commercial office space, the rooftop would include a green roof to reduce heat absorption.
