51-Storey Hotel Tower Planned for Brisbane's Historic Victory Hotel Site
Precision Group, owners of Brisbane’s Victory Hotel, have submitted a development application to the Brisbane City Council for a 51-storey tower on the site. The proposal, published recently, seeks approval for a 284-room hotel tower to be constructed behind and above the existing pub.
This application follows a previous request by Precision two months prior, which sought temporary conversion of the existing beer garden into a gaming room to facilitate internal construction within the hotel. Original plans at that time included rebuilding a beer garden after the hotel's refurbishment.
The new plans indicate the proposed tower would replace the current street-level beer garden. Positioned on the north-east portion of the 924-square-metre site, the design incorporates a "reverse/negative space podium" intended to maintain the visual prominence of the pub at the intersection of Edward and Charlotte streets.
Andrew Liveris, president of Brisbane 2032, previously noted a perceived shortfall in Brisbane's hotel accommodation. Precision Group founder Shaun Bonett stated the proposal aims to address this need, particularly for new accommodation offerings that utilize infill sites.
Bonett added that the development draws on the existing aesthetic of the Victory Hotel, aiming to support Brisbane's tourism infrastructure ahead of the 2032 Games while acknowledging the site's historical background.
Project Details
- Heritage Context: The Victory Hotel has operated at its current location since 1855 and is listed on Brisbane’s local heritage register. The development application proposes no additional demolition or alterations to the hotel structure beyond what was approved in a separate application in November 2024.
- Design: The 51-storey tower would reach a height of 206.6 metres. Its lower levels would encircle the existing pub, with higher levels featuring a cantilevered design from level six upwards.
- Facilities: The development would include hotel rooms, multiple bars (including a rooftop bar on level 50), dining venues, a gym, function spaces, and wellness facilities. A pool deck and day spa are proposed for level 38.
Planning and Approval
The development would cover approximately 50.3 percent of the site, exceeding the 45 percent allowed by the City Centre Neighbourhood Plan. Consequently, the application will undergo an impact assessment and be open for public submissions.
An assessment report prepared by Sinclair Planning, submitted on behalf of Precision Group, argues that the increased scale is justified. The report cites the building's narrow footprint, deep setbacks to Edward Street, and its design response to surrounding heritage buildings, including the state-listed Metro Arts building.
Heritage architect Ruth Woods' report, submitted to the council, states that the proposed tower's location would not impair views of the Victory Hotel or impact its main facades. The report also asserts that the proposal would not compromise views, light, or air for adjacent heritage buildings.
No onsite car parking is proposed. The application references the site’s proximity to Central Station, Cross River Rail’s Albert Street station, major bus corridors, and cycling infrastructure as justification. Sinclair Planning stated the tower would support the continued operation and long-term viability of the Victory Hotel and contribute to Brisbane’s tourism and nighttime economy.
Subject to development approval, the Victory Tower is projected for completion before 2032, with the approved pub refurbishment scheduled to commence in the second quarter of 2026.