A revised proposal for one of Brisbane's largest inner-city redevelopment projects has reignited debate about the future of Toowong, with supporters welcoming significant design changes while critics argue the development still falls short of meeting the community's long-term needs. The updated plans, submitted by Verso Projects, propose four mixed-use towers ranging from 33 to 39 storeys, replacing an earlier design that included a single 58-storey tower.
The redevelopment is planned for the prominent Toowong Central site and is intended to transform the area into a mixed-use precinct featuring apartments, build-to-rent housing, student accommodation, retail outlets, hospitality venues and public spaces. Developers say the revised design reflects extensive community consultation and feedback received from Brisbane City Council over the past two years.
Among the major changes are lower building heights, slimmer towers, increased setbacks and more than 5,300 square metres of publicly accessible open space. The project would also preserve and relocate a heritage building on the site, which is proposed to become a restaurant or bar, while introducing additional pedestrian connections and landscaping. Developers argue these improvements create a more attractive and accessible urban environment while supporting Brisbane's growing demand for housing.
Despite these revisions, the proposal continues to attract criticism from some community representatives. Greens MP Michael Berkman says the development still fails to provide affordable housing, despite Brisbane's ongoing housing affordability challenges. He argues the site represents a rare opportunity to deliver genuinely affordable homes, larger public parkland and improved community facilities rather than primarily market-driven residential development.
Critics have also raised concerns about the overall scale of the project, noting that the revised towers remain significantly taller than the heights generally anticipated under local planning guidelines. Questions have also been raised about the amount of green space, bicycle parking and whether the project delivers enough public benefit relative to its size. Community groups continue to call for greater emphasis on sustainable transport, open space and infrastructure that supports future population growth.
Supporters, however, believe the updated proposal represents a balanced compromise between increasing housing supply and responding to community concerns. Local business advocates say redeveloping the vacant site could stimulate economic activity, attract investment and strengthen Toowong as a key transport and commercial hub. The inclusion of student accommodation and build-to-rent housing is also seen as helping diversify housing options within Brisbane's inner west.
The proposal remains subject to assessment by Brisbane City Council before any construction can begin. If approved, the multi-stage development is expected to be delivered over several years and would become one of the largest urban renewal projects undertaken in Toowong. The final decision is likely to balance the city's growing need for higher-density housing with community expectations around affordability, public spaces and neighbourhood character.
As Brisbane continues to experience rapid population growth ahead of the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games, developments such as Toowong Central highlight the ongoing challenge of delivering new housing while preserving liveability, accessibility and community-focused planning outcomes. The debate surrounding the revised proposal reflects broader conversations occurring across Australian cities about sustainable urban development and how best to accommodate future growth.
