Private developers Ashan Chaminda Sudrikku and Ganendren Somasegaram have lodged a proposal to transform a prominent Hamilton corner into a five-storey residential and short-term stay precinct.
A Shifting Streetscape
The development application, submitted in January 2026, outlines a plan to merge six separate lots between 642 and 652 Kingsford Smith Drive. This move would require the removal of three existing houses to make way for a modern, staged project.
The first part of the build focuses on a 57-room building designed for short-term visitors, while the second stage introduces 24 permanent apartments. The planners at HAL Architects suggest the project acts as a bridge between the high-rise buildings of Northshore Hamilton and the quieter suburban streets further north.
Focus on Local Living
The design prioritises a quiet neighbourhood feel by keeping all car movements away from the main road. Instead of using Kingsford Smith Drive, the 96 planned parking spaces will be accessed only via Oxford Street. While there are no shops or cafes included in the plans, the site is positioned so residents can easily walk to the CityCat ferry, local parks, and the Racecourse Road shopping strip.
To keep the area looking green, the developers have committed to deep planting and landscaping that covers nearly a quarter of the total land area, which is more than what the local council usually requires.
Practical Features and Environment
Living in the new buildings will involve some hands-on habits, as the plans do not include automated rubbish chutes. This means apartment residents will need to carry their waste to a shared bin room themselves. The height of the structures is set at roughly 17.5 metres to match the medium-density rules of the Brisbane City Plan.
Because the land is near the river, the engineers have designed the habitable floors and the basement entries to sit safely above known flood levels. Even though the buildings will not feature solar panels on the roof, the design uses passive methods to help manage energy use naturally.
The Road Ahead
Because the project fits within the current zoning for the area, it is classified as code assessable. This means the Brisbane City Council can review and approve the plans without asking the general public for formal feedback or objections.
The developers believe the location is perfect for short-term stays due to how close it is to the Brisbane Airport and the city centre. With three lifts shared across the two buildings, the site aims to provide a functional addition to the growing Hamilton community.
Published Date 23-February-2026
