Quest Pinkenba development to enhance Brisbane's port area

Construction boss Brett Walker is spearheading a significant development in Brisbane’s port area, with plans for a new short-term accommodation complex to be operated by Quest Apartment Hotels.

This three-storey proposal, comprising 40 dual-key rooms, is set to occupy a substantial vacant portion of a corner site alongside the historic Trade Coast Hotel at Eagle Farm Road, Pinkenba.

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Situated on the northern side of the Brisbane River, about 12km north-east of the Brisbane CBD, the site is in a prime location within the city’s bustling port district. The Trade Coast Hotel, formerly known as the Pinkenba Hotel or “The Pink,” underwent a $3-million refurbishment in 2020. Its rich history dates back to 1910 when it was established by Scottish immigrant Ellen Bain. Brett Walker, who heads BWC Construction Group, acquired the 13-lot pub holding for $2.4 million in August 2007.

Under the new plans, the Trade Coast Hotel will remain largely untouched, with the Quest-branded short-stay accommodation building to be constructed at the rear of the site, fronting Neill Street. The 9617-square-metre holding will be subdivided into two lots to allow each operation to be managed independently.

A planning report revealed a needs assessment conducted in 2006 indicated a demand for additional accommodation in the Pinkenba area due to the growing number of business travellers serving the rapidly expanding industrial facilities around the airport. Since then, short-term accommodation in the immediate area has not kept pace with the substantial expansion of industrial, airport, and port facilities over the past two decades.

The latest planning documents noted that Quest Apartment Hotels identified the Pinkenba site as an ideal location for expansion, aligning with its growth strategy of partnering with developers. The proposed Quest Pinkenba development, designed by O’Neill Architecture, aims to add value to the site and the surrounding area by providing short-stay accommodation. The design statement highlights that the new building will be “deliberately minimal, sustainably minded, naturally inspired, and crafted to the aspect and surrounds.”

The Quest Pinkenba project will feature communal open spaces on the ground floor, including a gym, pool, barbecue area, and lawn. Plans also include a business lounge and conference room. An additional crossover is proposed at the site’s Neill Street frontage to provide access to the porte-cochere and ground-floor parking beneath the new building. A total of 40 carparking spaces are planned for the Quest accommodation and 61 spaces for the Trade Coast Hotel.

This development promises to enhance the Pinkenba village streetscape and contribute to its perception as a standalone community and destination. By integrating nature, functionality, and aesthetics, the Quest Pinkenba project aims to provide a unique experience for visitors and residents alike.

Images via The Urban Developer

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