Racecourse Road Archives - Hamilton Today

Racecourse Road Reimagined: Upscale Apartments and Retail Set to Redefine Hamilton

Racecourse Road, Hamilton’s iconic high street, is on the brink of a striking transformation. Once hit hard by the impacts of the pandemic, the strip is now buzzing with activity as a wave of luxury developments signals a fresh era for the neighbourhood.

Read: Hamilton Precinct Set for Landmark Residential and Retail Project

With a mix of high-end apartments, stylish retail spaces, and landmark architecture in the works, Racecourse Road is poised to reclaim its place as one of Brisbane’s most sought-after precincts.

Boutique Living Meets Main Street Vibe at 53 Racecourse Rd

Render for 53 Racecourse Rd (Photo credit: Brisbane PD Online – DA/A006815202)

Developer Fortis is planning a contemporary mixed-use building with 12 upscale apartments sitting above ground-floor retail. Designed to respond to the area’s traditional high street character, the project includes a rooftop garden with a pool, spa, and recreation deck. Existing mature trees will be retained, softening the modern design with greenery.

Subtropical Luxury at 63–71 Racecourse Rd

Render of Graya’s proposed mixed-use development (Photo credit: Brisbane PD Online- DA/A006790991)

Graya has lodged plans for a four-storey, mixed-use development that blends retail and lifestyle in a modern subtropical design. The project includes eight ground-floor retail and dining tenancies and 37 luxury apartments, topped by a rooftop pool, yoga lawn, and alfresco gym area. A central pedestrian arcade will connect Racecourse Road to Kent Street, enhancing walkability and community flow.

Silverstone: The Windermere Takes Shape

Render of The Windermere (Photo credit: thewindermere.com.au)

Construction is underway at The Windermere, a 36-unit luxury development designed by Carr architects. This modern project, named after one of Hamilton’s grand old homes, will feature ultra-premium finishes, such as 5.5-metre stone kitchen benches and resort-style rooftop spaces. Apartments are already on the market, priced between $2.7 million and $3.9 million, with completion expected by March next year.

128 Racecourse Rd: Replacing the Old with Elegant New Spaces

Render for 128 Racecourse Rd (Photo credit: Brisbane PD Online – DA/A006790424)

A four-storey apartment block at 128 Racecourse Road is set to be demolished to make way for a high-quality retail and office development. On top of the building will be six spacious three-bedroom apartments, plus a landscaped rooftop with a pool and leisure area. A revised proposal adds a fifth level featuring a single penthouse and reimagined communal rooftop zone.

18 Racecourse Rd and Beyond

A major site at 18 Racecourse Road has drawn strong interest from more than 100 potential buyers, many eyeing residential redevelopment. Another block further along the strip is believed to be under contract for a potential four-level apartment project. These transactions reflect a broader shift, with long-held properties changing hands and signalling a new wave of investment in the area.

Read: Construction Begins on New Rockpool Aged Care Facility in Northshore Hamilton

A Neighbourhood Reimagined

With multiple premium projects rising and more in the pipeline, Racecourse Road is well on its way to a renaissance. As long-time owners exit and visionary developers step in, Hamilton’s high street is set to become a vibrant destination once again—mixing prestige, lifestyle, and community charm.

Updated 11-November-2025. Originally published 29-July-2025

Hamilton Retail Strip to Make Way for Luxury Apartment Development

Photo Credit: Fortis

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.

Hamilton apartment development — Photo Credit: Fortis

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.

Brisbane apartments — Photo Credit: Fortis

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

The Gallery Development Set to Transform Racecourse Road in Hamilton

A new mixed-use development on Racecourse Road in Hamilton is set to revitalise one of Brisbane’s best-known retail strips, blending luxury residences with boutique retail and dining spaces.

Reviving a Brisbane Landmark

A new development named The Gallery has been approved for construction at 63–71 Racecourse Road and 12 Balowrie Street, in Hamilton’s well-established retail and dining precinct. Designed by bureau^proberts and developed by Graya, the project is positioned as a catalyst for reinvigorating the area’s high street character.

The 3,614-square-metre site will feature 37 residences across four storeys, supported by eight retail tenancies designed to draw more activity to the street. Scheduled to rise in 2026, the project will mark Graya’s first major lifestyle precinct in Hamilton.

Design Rooted in Local Character

The design pays tribute to Queenslander-style architecture, incorporating shaded verandahs, layered trellis gardens, and stone arbours inspired by nearby heritage structures such as Eagle Farm Racecourse and the local church.

The building aims to integrate retail, hospitality, and residential living in one cohesive space, with 1,500 square metres allocated for retail and dining, including wellness and lifestyle venues. The approach combines subtropical architecture with community-oriented urban living, consistent with bureau^proberts’ focus on creating functional, locally grounded developments.

Graya’s Vision for Hamilton

Graya’s directors, Rob and Andrew Gray, have described The Gallery as a continuation of their long-term involvement in Hamilton, following earlier projects such as Scorpia, Larc, and Casa Espri.

According to the company, there has been strong demand in the area for a lifestyle precinct combining boutique retail and luxury apartments, similar to the format seen in Brisbane’s James Street. The project will include nine two-bedroom and 28 three-bedroom apartments, topped by an 800-square-metre rooftop retreat featuring a pool and panoramic views.

Adapting to Changing Retail Trends

The development aims to address the decline of traditional suburban high streets by combining residential density with accessible retail and dining spaces. bureau^proberts’ partners have emphasised that increased local residency can help sustain retail precincts like Racecourse Road by attracting consistent foot traffic.

The Gallery’s curated retail selection will focus on boutique fashion, wellness, food, and specialty retail, catering to both local residents and visitors.

A New Phase for Racecourse Road

Historically known as one of Brisbane’s premier shopping and dining areas, Racecourse Road has long been a destination for Hamilton and Ascot residents. The Gallery aims to restore the street’s position as a lifestyle hub through a design-led approach that combines living, dining, and leisure within a single address.

Pending completion in 2026, the development is expected to become a new focal point for the community, contributing to Hamilton’s ongoing evolution as a premium residential and retail destination.

Published 14-Oct-2025

Racecourse Road Shops Could Make Way for Green Luxury Apartments in Hamilton

Racecourse Road’s familiar shopping strip may soon look very different, with plans lodged to replace the single-storey block with a new apartment building featuring greenery, retail and a rooftop garden.

Read: Racecourse Road Reimagined: Upscale Apartments and Retail Set to Redefine Hamilton

The proposal covers the corner site at 53 Racecourse Road, near the intersection with Balowrie Street. At present, the location is home to a row of small shops and businesses that form part of Hamilton’s high street. Under the development application, the existing building would be demolished to allow a new four-storey project combining homes and retail.

53 Racecourse Road, Hamilton (Photo credit: Google Maps)

The design sets aside 528 square metres on the ground floor for shops and cafés. The proposal aims to provide an active frontage that supports street dining and retail. Above this, there would be 12 apartments, with a mix of two and three-bedroom layouts. Each residence would include a private balcony or terrace.

Photo credit: Brisbane PD Online/Koichi Takada Architects

On top of the building, residents would have access to a landscaped rooftop garden. Plans show a pool, spa, gym and shaded seating areas designed as shared recreation spaces. Parking for residents, visitors and retail staff would be located across two basement levels, with vehicle access from Balowrie Street.

The proposal includes 427 sqm of landscaping, incorporating deep soil zones, retained street trees such as poincianas, and greenery integrated into balconies and façades. Landscape design has been prepared by Aspect Studios, while architecture is by Koichi Takada Architects.

The external treatment combines terracotta-toned brick with curved detailing and street-level awnings. The façade references nearby landmarks such as St Augustine’s Church, with the intention of connecting the project to Hamilton’s established character. Background material describes the design as aiming to add density while contributing to the existing streetscape.

The project is located within Brisbane’s District Centre zoning, which encourages mixed use and active frontages along Racecourse Road. The proposal is listed as code assessable and will be assessed against the planning scheme.

Racecourse Road has long been known for its small-scale shops and eateries, many of which trade from older buildings. The proposal would introduce modern facilities and change the scale of the streetscape, with some local character likely to be altered.

Project documents describe Hamilton as undergoing a broader revitalisation, drawing parallels to other Australian urban renewal efforts. The development emphasises “placemaking” — an approach that blends retail, community activity and residential living to create more vibrant centres.

Read: Plans Lodged to Expand 1930s Hamilton Mansion

If approved, the project would change the scale and land use mix on this section of Racecourse Road. Residents’ responses will determine how the proposal is remembered — as renewal or as a loss of small-scale character.

Published 25-September-2025

Hamilton Precinct Set for Landmark Residential and Retail Project

Photo Credit: DA/A006790991

A mixed-use development has been proposed for Racecourse Road in Hamilton, with Graya submitting a development application for a new residential and retail precinct.

Major Mixed-Use Proposal for Racecourse Road in Hamilton

A new project aimed at reshaping one of Hamilton’s busiest precincts has been submitted to BCC. Graya, a Brisbane-based developer, has lodged a proposal (DA/A006790991) to build a five-level development—comprising four residential storeys plus a rooftop retreat—across a 3,614-square-metre site encompassing 63–71 Racecourse Road and 12 Balowrie Street.

Redevelopment Plans and Site Layout

The proposed development, named “The Gallery,” would involve the demolition of four existing shopfronts to create space for 37 apartments and 1380 square metres of ground-floor commercial use. The site stretches across the block between Kent Street and Balowrie Street, directly opposite St Augustine’s Anglican Church.

The project features a mix of nine two-bedroom and 28 three-bedroom residences. It also includes 177 vehicle parking spaces with 116 designated for residents and 47 bicycle bays. The building will be topped by an 800-square-metre rooftop retreat with a pool and landscaped spaces.

The Gallery Hamilton — *Photo Credit: DA/A006790991*

Urban Design and Architectural Features

The building has been designed by Bureau^Proberts to reflect elements of local character. According to the architectural team, the design incorporates broad verandahs, green trellises, and stone plinths, drawing on elevated timber Queenslanders and nearby heritage masonry buildings. The structure also includes a pedestrian spine connecting Racecourse Road to Kent Street, flanked by laneway-style retail pods inspired by European village layouts.

Developer Presence in Hamilton

Graya has an established footprint in Hamilton, having previously delivered high-end homes such as Scorpia and Larq. This would be its first multi-residential development in the suburb. The Gallery is part of a broader pipeline of Graya projects currently underway across Brisbane and the Gold Coast.

Retail Activation Strategy

The proposal includes eight boutique retail tenancies at ground level, intended to enhance the precinct’s functionality and street-level activity. Plans indicate these may include offerings such as food venues, wellness spaces, and boutique grocers. The retail layout is designed to create a market-style environment with multiple entry points and intimate shopfronts.

Community Integration and Next Steps

According to the planning documents submitted by Mewing Planning Consultants on behalf of Graya, the development is intended to support the revitalisation of Racecourse Road. The proposal describes the project as a precinct-style destination with both civic presence and community benefit. Pending council approval, The Gallery is expected to launch to market in early 2026.

Published 17-June-2025

Fire-powered Pan-Asian Restaurant Flaming & Co To Open At Racecourse Road

Attention, Asian food lovers! A new pan-Asian, fire-powered restaurant called Flaming & Co will soon open along Racecourse Road.

Read: FOSH Alert: Upmarket Seafood Restaurant Soon to Open at Portside Wharf

Flaming & Co is a new concept from the Phoenix Group, the same Chinese restaurant group that has been operating in Australia since 1999. Originally from New South Wales, they entered the Brisbane market in 2019 with a location at George Street, serving their famous yum cha and dim sum.

Although the menu at their new restaurant is still being finalised, diners can expect modern Australian dishes, with influences from various Asian cuisines, including Sichuan, Korean, Cantonese, and Japanese.

As with traditional pan-Asian cuisine, food will come from a fusion of flavours and ingredients from throughout Asia. Sichuan cuisine, for instance, is known for its bold flavours from the abundant use of spices.

To be located next to Kos Cafe and Krazy Dessert Restaurant and Bar, the place will undergo a major transformation, with the addition of a hidden bar area and laneway dining. Guests can also choose to sit and watch the staff prepare the dishes live from the open kitchen.

Inside the open kitchen, chefs will cook almost everything on the menu over open flames, such as the flamed oysters and fish with chilli marinade. Whilst fire is the theme here, there will also be deep-fried dishes from the new restaurant.

On the drinks front, the owners have curated an impressive list of brews and wines both from local and international makers. There will also be cocktails and mixed drinks to pair with their pan-Asian fare.

Read: Get to Know Katana, a Hamilton Landmark Since the 19th Century

Flaming & Co is anticipated to open by March 2023. We will keep you posted with further information once they open.

New Childcare Centre on Racecourse Road Proposed

Photo Credit: Brisbane City Council / developmenti.brisbane.qld.gov.au

Hamilton may get a new childcare centre if the proposed three-storey facility on Racecourse Road gets Council approval.

The proposal seeks to develop a childcare centre on a 618.8sqm site at 50 Racecourse Road in Hamilton. If approved, the dwelling that currently occupies the site will be demolished to facilitate the construction of the Red Door Architecture-designed proposed development.

Proposed site | Photo Credit: Brisbane City Council / developmenti.brisbane.qld.gov.au

Basement floor plan | Photo Credit: Brisbane City Council / developmenti.brisbane.qld.gov.au

Ground floor plan | Photo Credit: Brisbane City Council / developmenti.brisbane.qld.gov.au

The three-storey childcare centre will feature elements that will assist with maintaining privacy and amenity of the site’s rear adjoining property, including acoustic screen and landscaping.

“The development has been designed with consideration of established development along Racecourse Road and what is typical of a modern ‘high street’, noting that this portion of Racecourse Road is varied in character and yet to reach its development potential.” – Urban Strategies

Level 1 floor plan | Photo Credit: Brisbane City Council / developmenti.brisbane.qld.gov.au

Level 2 floor plan | Photo Credit: Brisbane City Council / developmenti.brisbane.qld.gov.au

Roof floor plan | Photo Credit: Brisbane City Council / developmenti.brisbane.qld.gov.au

The front facade will have extensive glazing and there will be a balcony for casual surveillance of the street and a pedestrian awning for weather protection.

The proposal which is anticipated to provide day-long care for 98 children includes ten (10) car parking spaces –three (3) for staff and seven (7) for drop off – to be located within a basement car park area. There will also be four (4) bicycle parking and end-trip facilities.

Summary of the development proposal
Total site area: 618.8sqm
Site cover: 535sqm / 86.46 per cent of the site
Total GFA: 624sqm
Ground floor GFA: 178sqm
Level 1 GFA: 239sqm
Level 2 GFA: 207sqm
Activity rooms: 6
Deep planting: 61sqm / 10.14 per cent of the site
Car Parking: 10 (6 – drop off + 1 PWD, Van 1, Staff 3

It is proposed that the childcare centre will operate from 6.30 am to 6.30 pm, Monday to Friday.

50 Racecourse Rd, Hamilton QLD 4007, Australia

Vibrant Racecourse Road Awaits Locals With Street Tree Bud Lighting Project

Photo Credit: Racecourse Rd/Facebook

Take an evening stroll down Racecourse Road Precinct in Hamilton and enjoy the magical view of trees illuminated by fairy lights.

The street tree bud lighting has been installed to increase night-time amenity and identity for the local shopping precinct and create a vibrant neighbourhood for the local community and visitors.

According to Racecourse Road Precinct Business Group president Kate Peereboom, five different contractors and traffic management crews worked together to install thousands of metres of lights on 40 trees in one month.

Businesses and landlords were supportive of the project so the installation was done smoothly, with little disruption to businesses located in the street. Most of the works were completed at night and the installation of lights were completed ahead of their target completion date.

The lights were first lit in time for the commencement of the Brisbane Racing Club’s winter carnival last month, where thousands of spectators visited the precinct.

To celebrate the success of this project, the “Up in Lights” community event was held at St Augustine’s Anglican Church on 10 May 2019 from 4:00 pm to 8:00 pm. Locals got to enjoy an evening of live music, street food, pop-up bars, face painting, and kids lantern-making.

The lighting project is sponsored by Bernborough-Lendlease, St. Joseph’s Nudgee College and Brisbane Racing Club.

This is part of the Village Precinct Projects grant funded program, wherein Council will design and deliver public realm improvements, breathing new life into local shopping precincts with the aim of contributing to the commercial vitality of the precinct by creating:

a beautiful precinct – high-quality, attractive public spaces that are accessible, safe and comfortable to walk through; spaces that encourage the local community to meet, linger and enjoy
a precinct for people – streets that are inclusive and inviting places for everyone to shop, socialise and relax
a sense of place – reinforcing the local character and pride, and creating distinctive subtropical spaces for local residents, businesses and visitors to connect with and belong to.

For more information about the Racecourse Road street tree bud lighting project, visit the Brisbane City Council website.