Kedron is the latest Brisbane suburb in-line for a large, mixed-use new precinct that will reshape the suburb.

George Weston Foods Limited,&nbsp;one of Australia and New Zealand's largest food manufacturers, has filed plans for a 3.6-hectare mixed-use precinct dubbed in the planning application as Bakery Square.

The proposal marks the first formal step in the long-anticipated transition of the former Top Taste factory site at 466–488 Gympie Road.

The application seeks preliminary approval via a variation request to facilitate a future urban renewal precinct comprising residential, commercial, retail, and community uses alongside new public open space.

According to the Town Planning Report by Urbis, the intent is to repurpose a strategically located parcel of low-impact industrial land into a connected, amenity-rich, medium-density lifestyle destination. The development would front one of Brisbane’s busiest public transport corridors and adjoin Bradbury Park, a 6.5-hectare green space.

<img alt="Kedron masterplan" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="c47d15a0-13f7-4e11-a957-c421599c4160" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/masterplan_0.png?VersionId=sQ5ApjQnSMymcAPF_1oQHA_MOPagbgz4" />

The proposal seeks to align with emerging policy directions under Brisbane: Our Productive City and the Brisbane Sustainable Growth Strategy, both of which identify the need to unlock “transition sites” for housing supply.

“The timely conversion of the site’s former industrial land will contribute to the supply of much-needed housing, especially within Brisbane’s core residential corridors," the assessment report noted.

<img alt="Kedron site" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="c3383033-10ce-4bdd-ae1b-00ac5fcd3b4f" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/site_1.png?VersionId=yURNBeOOXL1.q3jZDexGuRX7ehVH1.gg" />

The precinct planning covers approximately 36,405 square metres over two lots: 30 Glentanna Street and 474A Gympie Road, both currently zoned Low Impact Industry and within the Chermside Centre Neighbourhood Plan area. The proposal is subject to impact assessment and has been referred to the State Assessment and Referral Agency for review.

The submitted documents frame Bakery Square as a key opportunity site on Brisbane’s northside. The Urban Context and Master Plan Report identifies the precinct as a “critical location” for establishing a contemporary mixed-use environment, capable of delivering the kind of holistic placemaking seen in other major Brisbane redevelopment areas.

Four defining characteristics support the site’s transformation:

<ul>
	<li>Proximity to transport: Located along Gympie Road, the site benefits from existing high-frequency bus services and planned future upgrades under Brisbane Metro Stage 2 to Carseldine.</li>
	<li>Lifestyle potential: With access to Chermside, Royal Brisbane and Women’s Hospital, and other employment nodes, the proposal aims to deliver a liveable, connected precinct.</li>
	<li>Co-location with green space: Bradbury Park offers an established recreation anchor, described as a “rare opportunity to co-locate high density living, a lifestyle precinct and open space.”</li>
	<li>Uncommon scale: The 3.6-hectare landholding is a rarity in Brisbane’s inner-northern suburbs, offering a blank canvas for integrated precinct planning.</li>
</ul>

Design evolution has been central to the application’s development. A height transition strategy has been proposed to mediate built form across the site and surrounding context. The tallest elements will be centrally located, stepping down toward Gympie Road, adjacent residential areas, and Bradbury Park. An “urban common” forms the heart of the site and integrates new public open space, pedestrian links, and activated edges.

“This is one of the most critical locations to establish a new mixed-use precinct with significant development uplift on the northside of Brisbane,” Urbis noted in the Urban Design Report.

“Bakery Square can provide the housing, amenity, and local character expected of a modern, infill lifestyle precinct”.

<img alt="Kedron Terraces" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="d3139767-1ccc-4c54-a929-9007ce50a375" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/masterplan%20terraces.png?VersionId=Bbl8KWayOHtGpsUeRz6.JLskqop5xjlN" />

The built form strategy anticipates mid-rise development consistent with the emerging character of Gympie Road. According to the variation document, the maximum height sought is 10 storeys (approx. 35m), though individual buildings and sub-precincts are expected to vary. The proposed code amendments would enable staged delivery across multiple sub-areas within the site, balancing residential intensity with commercial, retail, and urban services.

From a housing perspective, Bakery Square represents a significant potential boost to Brisbane’s infill supply. While the DA does not lock in a specific number of dwellings at this stage, planning documents suggest a strong emphasis on diverse housing typologies, including apartments and build-to-rent options.

The Town Planning Report notes that “the proposal enables a planning framework that will facilitate the eventual delivery of residential housing typologies to support emerging demographic needs” and directly respond to the housing supply targets identified in ShapingSEQ 2023.

<img alt="Kedron commercial masterplan" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="617fc5cf-1a92-475c-8244-8c6d859fcfc3" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/masterplan%20commercial.png?VersionId=jHMPFVecoryM4XkeIi4psY3SnAbQnDEn" />

George Weston Foods Limited, an ASX-listed entity and one of Australia’s largest food manufacturers, has owned and operated the site for over five decades. The former Top Taste baked goods factory ceased operations in 2020. Since then, the property has been used intermittently as a warehouse and for contractor works associated with the recent Gympie Road upgrade.

Surrounding the site, the local context is typified by a mix of medium-density residential, retail, and light industrial uses. Chermside Westfield, Prince Charles Hospital, and the Chermside Health Hub all lie within 1.5km, reinforcing the precinct’s strategic position. The area is also undergoing broader transition, with the Kedron Future Growth Node flagged for long-term renewal.

Joel Robinson

First look: Bakery Square precinct to breathe new life into Brisbane's Kedron

As demand grows for greener, more energy-efficient homes, one of the Gold Coast's oldest developers is setting a new benchmark for sustainable living.

Founded in the late 1950s by visionary developer Bernard Lewis, Lewis Land is creating what it calls the most sustainable project in the city’s history at Biggera Waters. <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/harbour-shores-biggera-waters-564-oxley-drive-biggera-waters-qld-4216">Harbour Shores</a> is the first development in the region to achieve a 6 Star Green Star Community V1.1 rating from the Green Building Council of Australia — a world-leading sustainability standard.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=113271 project_image_fid=247080]

With buyers increasingly prioritising sustainability in their decisions, Harbour Shores aligns with strict environmental standards while fostering a walkable, fossil-fuel-free lifestyle that resonates strongly with modern purchasers.

The project also represents the largest in Lewis Land’s 65-year history, spanning over 16 hectares. Its masterplan incorporates features such as water-retention tanks, solar power, and EV charging stations, alongside the planting of more than 200,000 tropical and native plants. This integration of nature and technology supports energy-efficient living and promotes a resilient community designed for intergenerational living and long-term wellbeing.

By excluding natural gas, residents will be able to use 100% renewable energy sources — significantly reducing their carbon footprint through solar, wind and hydro power. They will also have access to 100% GreenPower®, improving air quality by eliminating harmful emissions from cooktops, ovens and heaters.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=113271 project_image_fid=4578]

Energy bills will be reduced thanks to smart design, including double-glazed windows, energy-efficient appliances, and cooler roof colours. Rooftop solar panels will further cut household costs while reducing CO₂ emissions.

On-site rainwater harvesting will irrigate gardens, saving thousands of litres of potable water each year, while water-efficient appliances will further reduce consumption and costs inside the home.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=113271 project_image_fid=290028]

Designed by BDA Architecture, the precinct will evolve over the next decade into a vibrant “village of villages,” housing more than 4,000 residents. The masterplan includes a mix of apartments, villas, communal open spaces and parklands, a 1.2-kilometre waterfront boardwalk, private marina berths and a suite of resort-style amenities.

Respected local builder Greyburn has been appointed to deliver the first boutique buildings, scheduled for completion in mid-2026.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=113271]

Urban Editorial

Sustainable living at Harbour Shores: better health, lower bills

Apartment king Harry Tribugoff is progressing with the next stage of Pagewood Green, its Westfield-anchored Eastgardens precinct in Sydney's eastern suburbs.

Meriton will deliver another 200-plus apartments across three interconnected buildings ranging in height between seven and 13 levels. There will be two retail tenancies as part of the $130 million stage, as well as a&nbsp;suite of communal recreation and landscaping elements.

The developer has been approved for over 214 apartments, but is seeking to reduce the density to just over 200 to "align with broader market trends" that prioritise larger apartments, and a shift towards owner-occupier preferences in new developments.

<img alt="2 Tingwell Boulevard in Eastgardens" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="4500be81-f5c6-473c-b712-a43c8cb5dd58" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Meriton%20eastgardens%202.png?VersionId=F9sST02sqMFD50oQIfNPDHP_B36YjU6j" />

According to the compliance statement submitted with the application, the proposed design continues to meet key planning and urban design criteria, including deep soil planting, tree canopy coverage, integration of cycle and pedestrian paths, and full EV readiness across residential car parking.&nbsp;

Architecture for the project has been led by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/plus-architecture">Plus</a>,&nbsp;which noted that materials and articulation across the podium and tower forms aim to create a “village-like character” consistent with Pagewood Green’s vision.

There will be a near-1000 sqm communal open area on the level one podium for residents with a barbecue area and associated areas for dining and seating. In addition to this space will be accessible terraces on levels 10 and 9 along the western tower form with sitting areas and views to south eastern suburbs.

On ground level there is also a mixture of areas from a swimming pool, spa, sauna and gymnasium providing on-site amenity to the future residents.

Meriton first launched the $3 billion masterplan, known as Pagewood Green, in 2016. At the time it was called the biggest project undertaken by the developer. The 16.5-hectare block was previously home to the former&nbsp;British American Tobacco manufacturing plant and the former General Motors-Holden factory.

At the time, Triguboff said that Pagewood Green would provide some of the most spacious apartments in the area.

“Bigger apartments are in short supply and, because of this, they are achieving the strongest rental increases.”

Meriton secures $130 million approval for next stage of Pagewood Green masterplan

Brisbane developer Citimax Property Group has announced its third development within the Kings Beach pocket of Caloundra.

Following on from Ascend and Ocean Verge, Citimax will develop <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/solara-kings-beach-19-21-verney-street-kings-beach-qld-4551">Solara</a>, just 23 three- and four-bedroom apartments on Verney Street, just a short walk to the beach.

Citimax Property Group director Matthew Bond said Solara continues the company focus appealing&nbsp;to owner-occupiers who are looking to purchase high quality and spacious apartments close to everything the Sunshine Coast has to offer."

"In response to market enquiry, with Solara we have expanded the offer to include a selection of four-bedroom apartments. This opportunity is quite rare in this market and will provide our purchasers with great flexibility in their use of the apartment and the lifestyle it offers."

<img alt="Kings Beach" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="1283d421-bcf1-40e3-909c-bf8c1a69c232" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202025-09-11%20at%201.08.39%E2%80%AFPM.png?VersionId=pd_eGiER_DL9Dl9Ps6YQtr3oCu5qFfGD" />

Bond said at their two&nbsp;previous Kings Beach apartment projects, buyers were specifically seeking high quality appliances, finishes and fixtures.

"This is something we will take to another level at Solara which will also include some of the largest floor plans on the market."

&nbsp;

Residents of Solara will have access to private amenities like a&nbsp;resort-style pool area, complete with cabanas, a dining pavilion, and BBQ area. There’s also a gym, outdoor shower, and dog washing facilities.

<img alt="Solara" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="61c3f630-ca6a-48cf-b283-9291db360c28" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202025-09-11%20at%201.08.35%E2%80%AFPM.png?VersionId=9dtBFwyjvFivZcJiq2qyJlsgL8RNvajZ" />

Property and Estates director Damian Brown has been involved in the sales for all three Citimax apartment developments at Kings Beach and he expects demand to be just as strong at Solara.

“Kings Beach has become a highly desirable location for buyers wanting the ultimate Sunshine Coast lifestyle as it’s close to amazing beaches and amenities while still enjoying the region’s relaxed way of life.

“Once again, Citimax has left no stone unturned in their desire to create amazing apartments suited to downsizers, holiday home buyers and investors alike."

Brown said buyers in the previous projects have been drawn from a broad range of locations and he expects that to continue at Solara.

“As recent data reveals, the Sunshine Coast continues to be a leader in the national move from the capital cities to the regions. The smart design and quality amenities provided by the Citimax projects has proven to be perfectly suited to the lifestyle objectives of local buyers and new arrivals alike."

Local commercial builder, Vantage, is set to start construction on Solara next month.

Citimax to launch third Kings Beach apartment project, Solara

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/kokoda-property">Kokoda Property Group</a> has completed <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/buildings/malvern-collective-2-station-place-malvern-vic-3144">Malvern Collective</a>, its $450 million mixed-use precinct and its largest Victorian project to date, reinforcing Kokoda’s commitment to its home city alongside recent growth in Brisbane.&nbsp;

Located at the prominent junction of Glenferrie and Dandenong Roads, the <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/malvern-vic-3144">Malvern</a> precinct transforms a key urban site into a vibrant lifestyle destination, creating one of the area’s most significant developments that has been expertly tailored to meet the evolving demographics of Malvern and its neighbouring suburbs.&nbsp;

With architecture by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/jackson-clements-burrows-architects">Jackson Clements Burrows</a> and interiors by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/carr-design">Carr</a>, Malvern Collective features two architecturally striking towers home to 205 apartments, including the exclusive Penthouse Collection. The ground level will introduce a vibrant retail, dining, and lifestyle precinct, including a boutique grocer, barber, cellar door, jeweller, cafe, and fitness studio, with new laneways linking directly to Glenferrie Road, providing direct access to Malvern Station.&nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=12457 project_image_fid=217264]

The heart of the precinct, The Angel of Malvern, which first opened in 1856 as The Gardiner, returns in early 2026 as a reimagined three-level hospitality venue complete with a relaxed public bar, courtyard beer garden, first floor dining experience and cocktail lounge above. The Angel of Malvern will be the neighbourhood’s new place to meet, eat, sip and celebrate.&nbsp;

Residents will have access to a range of luxurious hotel-style amenities, including a seven day New-York style concierge service, multiple resident lounges, a wellness centre with hot and cold plunge, a steam room, gym, outdoor swimming pools, an outdoor terrace with a firepit and BBQ kitchen, as well as a boutique private cinema.&nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=12457 project_image_fid=350716]

Limited residences remain with settlements already underway. Two distinct buyer groups have emerged, including local downsizers who are drawn to the spacious three and four bedroom residences and zero-minute lifestyle on offer, and young professionals.&nbsp;

Kokoda Property Group’s Founder and Managing Director, Mark Stevens, says the Melbourne market is returning and is on the cusp of transformation.&nbsp;

“We’ve spent the past few years building momentum in Queensland, but this project represents a major commitment to Melbourne," Stevens says.

"The fundamentals that make this city so liveable are strengthening again, and Malvern Collective stands as both a response to and a reflection of that renewed confidence.&nbsp;“To deliver a precinct of this scale, complexity, and quality in full, particularly through a challenging cycle, is a testament to our team’s long-term vision for city-shaping projects."&nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=12457 project_image_fid=217258]

Earlier this year, Kokoda Property Group purchased a new site on Burnley Street, Richmond, to deliver its first commercial project, and has also acquired a nearby Bridge Road site to deliver a mid-rise residential building with wellness amenities and activated ground-floor retail and dining.

In Queensland, its landmark Teneriffe Banks development achieved $285 million in sales on launch day in late 2025. The group’s current portfolio includes $2.5B worth of projects across Melbourne and Brisbane.&nbsp;

The final release of residences within Malvern Collective is now available, priced from $849,000.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=12457]

Kokoda Property Group completes Malvern Collective precinct

Smart Technology

<html><body>
GUEST OBSERVATION
Australia is witnessing the first major redesign of the payphone booth since 1983. But Telstra’s new vision is meeting resistance from some councils, and the matter is in the courts.
In an effort to make payphones relevant to the needs of modern Australians, Telstra’s revamped payphones feature mobile charging, Wi-Fi access through <a href="https://www.telstra.com.au/telstra-air" target="_blank">Telstra Air</a> (free or via a Telstra broadband plan, depending on the area), and large digital advertising displays.
Sydney’s Lord Mayor Clover Moore <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/business/2019/oct/20/telstra-and-city-councils-head-to-court-over-new-3m-tall-phone-booths" target="_blank">described</a> the new booths as “a craven attempt” to profit from “already crowded CBD footpaths”, and a “Trojan horse for advertising”.
Under existing Universal Service Obligation (USO) agreements, Telstra has to provide payphones as part of its standard telephone service. The USO is a consumer protection measure that ensures everyone has access to landline telephones and payphones, regardless of where they live or work. Telstra is the sole provider of USO services in Australia.
The USO is funded through an industry levy administered by the <a href="https://acma.gov.au/Industry/Telco/Carriers-and-service-providers/Universal-service-obligation/payphones-universal-service-obligation-acma" target="_blank">Australian Communications and Media Authority</a>. This means registered carriers with revenues over A$25 million per year contribute to the levy, including Telstra.
The face of the new Aussie payphone
In a <a href="https://exchange.telstra.com.au/modernising-payphones/" target="_blank">blog post</a> last March, a Telstra employee said the new “<a href="https://www.telstra.com.au/consumer-advice/payphones/smart-payphone" target="_blank">smart payphones</a>” provided emergency alerts, multilingual services, and content services including public transport information, city maps, weather, tourist advice, and information on cultural attractions.
The booths are 2.64 metres tall, 1.09 metres wide, and are fitted with 75-inch LCD screens on one side. In 2016, 40 payphones were approved by City of Melbourne planners and installed over the following year, marking the start of Telstra’s plans for a nationwide rollout.
Telstra’s submission to the city claimed the booths were “low-impact” infrastructure and therefore planning approval was not required, in accordance with the <a href="https://www.legislation.gov.au/Series/C2004A05145" target="_blank">Telecommunications Act 1997 (Cth)</a>.
In 2017, Telstra and outdoor advertising company JC Decaux <a href="https://www.jcdecaux.com.au/press-releases/jcdecaux-renews-long-term-partnership-telstra-reinvent-payphone-australia" target="_blank">announced</a> a partnership to “bring the phone box into the 21st century”.
It would initially have 1,860 payphones upgraded in Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Adelaide and Perth. These five cities represent 64% of the country’s population and 77% of advertising spend.
Taking matters to court
Earlier this year, Telstra’s application for 81 new booths was blocked by the City of Melbourne, and the city commenced proceedings in the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal to have the booths redefined as not being low-impact.
Given the council allowed 40 booths to be installed in 2017, it’s unclear why its position has since changed.
In May, Telstra hit back by starting federal court proceedings against the council in an effort to overturn prior proceedings. In June, the Brisbane and Sydney city councils joined the City of Melbourne as co-respondents.
Melbourne Councillor and Chair of Planning Nicholas Reece said the new payphones would create congestion on busy footpaths, describing them as “monstrous electric billboards masquerading as payphones”.
He said the booths were “part of a revenue strategy for Telstra”.
But Telstra <a href="https://exchange.telstra.com.au/modernising-payphones/" target="_blank">claims</a> the new payphones are only 15cm wider than previous ones. A company spokesperson said the extra size was necessary to accommodate fibre connections and other equipment needed to operate the booth’s services.
Who pays for, and profits from, payphones?
In 2017, a Productivity Commission inquiry into the USO <a href="https://www.pc.gov.au/inquiries/completed/telecommunications/report" target="_blank">reported</a> an average annual subsidy of A$2,600-50,000 per payphone, funded through the industry levy.
But the levy doesn’t cover the cost of installing and providing advertising on booths. Also, Telstra’s advertising-generated revenue doesn’t directly offset the cost of installing and operating the payphones.
Telstra has advertised on its payphones for the past 30 years. But display screens for advertising on new booths are <a href="https://participate.melbourne.vic.gov.au/advertising-payphones" target="_blank">60% larger</a> than previous ones.
The City of Melbourne is concerned because <a href="https://www.sgsep.com.au/publications/insights/the-economics-of-walking-deserves-far-more-attention" target="_blank">commissioned research</a> by SGS Economics and Planning estimates a 10% reduction in pedestrian flow because of the new booths. This would happen as a result of people getting distracted by the payphone advertising, and would cost the city A$2.1 billion in lost productivity.
That said, federal legislation doesn’t prevent Telstra from placing advertising on payphones. So the existing court case could hinge on Melbourne city council’s argument that by increasing the size of digital displays, Telstra’s new payphones are no longer low-impact.
The outcome should be known early next year.
Do we still need payphones?
At a time when consumers and businesses use about <a href="https://www.accc.gov.au/media-release/new-report-tracks-internet-activity-on-mobile-and-fixed-lines" target="_blank">24.3 million mobile handsets</a>, it’s reasonable to <a href="https://theconversation.com/will-australias-digital-divide-fast-for-the-city-slow-in-the-country-ever-be-bridged-60635" target="_blank">question whether</a> payphones are still required.
The number of payphones in operation today is sharply down compared with the payphone’s heyday in the early 1990s, when more than 80,000 could be found across Australia.
But there’s strong evidence they continue to supply a vital public service.
<a href="https://images.theconversation.com/files/298804/original/file-20191027-113991-16vo5j8.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&amp;q=45&amp;auto=format&amp;w=1000&amp;fit=clip"><img src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/298804/original/file-20191027-113991-16vo5j8.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&amp;q=45&amp;auto=format&amp;w=754&amp;fit=clip" alt=""></a>
Telstra’s payphones operate in many small regional communities such as Woomera, South Australia. It has a population of less than 200 people. georgiesharp/flickr
Currently, Telstra provides more than 16,000 public payphones. Last year, these were used to make about 13 million phone calls, of which about 200,000 were emergency calls to 000.
So regardless of the verdict on the Telstra case, the public payphone is and will continue to be an iconic and integral part of our telecommunications landscape.<img src="https://counter.theconversation.com/content/125815/count.gif?distributor=republish-lightbox-basic" alt="The Conversation" width="1" height="1" style="border: none !important; box-shadow: none !important; margin: 0 !important; max-height: 1px !important; max-width: 1px !important; min-height: 1px !important; min-width: 1px !important; opacity: 0 !important; outline: none !important; padding: 0 !important; text-shadow: none !important;">
Mark A Gregory, Associate professor, <a href="http://theconversation.com/institutions/rmit-university-1063" target="_blank">RMIT University</a>.
This article is republished from <a href="http://theconversation.com" target="_blank">The Conversation</a> under a Creative Commons license. Read the <a href="https://theconversation.com/telstras-new-high-tech-payphones-are-meeting-resistance-from-councils-but-why-125815" target="_blank">original article</a>.
</body></html>

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