A retail strip at 53 Racecourse Road in Hamilton will be demolished to make way for a new four-storey apartment complex featuring 12 luxury residences and ground-floor retail outlets.
Redevelopment Plans Progress
The 1205-square-metre site, located five kilometres from Brisbane’s CBD, currently houses seven small businesses, including restaurants and cafés. Developer Fortis has gained approval for a residential-led mixed-use project designed by Koichi Takada Architects, marking a new stage in the ongoing transformation of Racecourse Road.
The development will include 12 apartments—three two-bedroom and nine three-bedroom—above 528 square metres of ground-level retail space. Facilities include a rooftop pool, spa, gym, and landscaped recreation areas.
Heritage Influence and Design
The project’s design incorporates terracotta-toned brickwork and cascading greenery. The drawing inspiration came from nearby heritage sites such as St Augustine’s Church and Hamilton Town Hall. The landscaped plan retains poinciana trees and introduces new vegetation across the podium and rooftop levels.
Vehicle access will be via Balowrie Street, with two basement levels providing 33 resident spaces, 4 visitor bays, and 7 retail staff parks.
Precinct Renewal
The Hamilton development contributes to the broader revitalisation of Racecourse Road, where similar mixed-use projects are approved at 63 and 77 Racecourse Road. Residents have expressed a mix of support and concern about the visual fit of the new design within the established streetscape.
Next Steps
The approval marks a milestone for Fortis, which is also redeveloping a former aged care facility in New Farm into high-end residences. Construction timelines for the Hamilton project have not yet been announced, but the development signals continued reinvestment in one of Brisbane’s most recognisable retail strips.
Published 25-Oct-2025
