Licastro Files Triple-Tower Plans for Brisbane Gateway Landmark

Could this be Brisbane’s modern equivalent of New York’s Flatiron building?

Well, that’s the thinking behind a sculptural triple tower vision for the city’s gateway junction of Kingsford Smith Drive and Breakfast Creek Road.

Frank Developments—led by Brisbane-based developer Frank Licastro—has filed plans for the bold proposal designed “to mark a significant moment” in the River City’s evolving urban identity.

To be known as Avela, it would deliver 166 apartments across a stepped highrise scheme comprising a central 28-storey tower interconnected with two “micro-towers”—one of 19 storeys to the east and the other 17 storeys to the north.

Designed by Melbourne-based Studio Kennon, the scheme is slated for a 2433sq m site at 60 Kingsford Smith Drive and 9-11 Amy Street at the inner-north nexus of Newstead, Albion and Hamilton.

Its prominent corner position—at a bend in the Brisbane River and across the road from the historic Breakfast Creek Hotel—serves a gateway between the CBD and airport.

“Cities have long recognised such demarcation points as powerful branding opportunities, using architecture, landscape, and public realm design to communicate civic identity and leave a lasting impression on those entering and leaving the city,” a submitted design report said.

“A major urban intersection presents a rare canvas for architectural placemaking, transforming a mere convergence of roads into a defining civic landmark.

“Historically, structures that master unique site geometries—such as the Flatiron Building in New York, Toronto’s Gooderham Building, and the Hearst Building, do more than just occupy a corner; they command converging sightlines to become enduring symbols of their cities.”

According to the report, the prominence of the Kingsford Smith Drive site “calls for an architectural response of equal significance”.

“The design is founded on a sculptural narrative that seeks to establish a distinctive landmark while remaining responsive to its surrounding context,” it said. “Conceived as a bold architectural statement… [the] development possesses a generational opportunity to capture the public’s eye."

“Through visionary architecture that responds boldly to this intersection, we can elevate the space from a transitional thoroughfare into a monumental urban anchor, establishing a new, unmistakable identity for the precinct.”

Under the plans, a mix of 151 two-bedroom, 14 three-bedroom and one four-bedroom penthouse would be spread across the three-tower cluster rising above a shared two-level podium.

Three levels of communal recreation, wellness and lifestyle amenities spanning a combined 1945sq m—including the tower rooftops—would feature an indoor pickle ball court, co-working space, a 20m pool, gym, yoga room, sauna, spa, cold plunge, hydrotherapy pool, wellness lounge and therapy rooms, as well as barbecue facilities and outdoor seating.

A private rooftop garden is planned for the penthouse of the tallest tower.

On the ground level, two retail tenancies are proposed, including a 290sq m boutique–style village grocer and 74sq m cafe.

Parking for 252 cars is to be accommodated across the ground and four basement levels.

Frank Developments project director James Strahan said the Avela site demanded something extraordinary.

“We recognised that opportunities like this rarely come along. This wasn't simply about developing a site; it was about defining a gateway to Brisbane and creating a landmark that would contribute to the city’s next chapter,” Strahan said.

“With its river, city and parkland outlooks, prominent position and proximity to heritage landmarks, our responsibility was to create architecture worthy of its setting.”

Studio Kennon director Pete Kennon said Avela had been designed “for an emerging Brisbane, both on a global and local stage”.

“Avela presents a rare opportunity to become a defining Brisbane landmark, marking a significant moment in the city’s evolving urban identity while remaining a grounded and enduring asset for the local community,” he said.

“We have designed a building that confidently occupies its prominent corner site, with its architectural form expressed as three interconnected micro-towers that are carefully layered and step gracefully in tiers.

“This composition creates a distinctive silhouette on the skyline while breaking down the scale of the building, allowing it to sit comfortably within its riverside setting.”

It is Frank Developments second addition to its pipeline in the Kingsford Smith Drive corridor.

Construction has started on Alba, a 19-storey development comprising 86-apartments—30 per cent of which were secured during its pre-release campaign—at 92 Kingsford Smith Drive.

The two projects have been envisioned as complementary architectural landmarks that respond to the riverside setting and contribute to the evolving Hamilton precinct.

“Each building has its own identity, but together they create a considered dialogue across the streetscape,” Licastro said. “Every detail has been carefully resolved to ensure the architecture complements both the river and the broader character of Hamilton.”

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