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.
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.
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
