High-rise plan for historic former bread factory

A historic former bread factory in inner-Brisbane could be redeveloped with high-rise apartments.

Now called The Baker’s Grounds and largely made up of offices, the brick complex in Fortitude Valley was built more than 100 years ago as Keating’s Bread Factory.

It’s made up of multiple buildings and covers just more than 4000 square metres between Warry and Kennigo streets, about 250 metres from Victoria Park.

The factory – which stopped manufacturing bread around the end of World War II – still incorporates parts of the old ovens and stables for the delivery horses.

It was listed as a local heritage place in 2004, according to Brisbane City Council.

Constructing a high-rise apartment building on the block has been proposed for some time. Updated design documents lodged this month show a plan to reduce the total number of homes in a future development.

Wedged between the existing buildings, the structure would have 100 units across 17 storeys.

Previous renders have also shown a rooftop lap pool, with a gym, spa, library, meeting rooms, barbeque area and underground parking.

“This application forms part of the owner’s ongoing efforts to plan and prepare for the long-term future of the property,” developer Vector Property said.

“We wish to celebrate the heritage character of the site by incorporating that into the design of the new building.

“We continue to refine and improve our plans while carefully monitoring market conditions to determine the appropriate timing for any potential redevelopment.”

The company said they were yet to decide when construction would start, and there were no present disruptions to tenants.

The documents lodged with Brisbane City Council show the new designs were put together by DAH Architecture. RG Property Fifteen Pty Ltd is listed as the owner.

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