Proposed billion-dollar development Toowong Central has generated more than 500 public submissions, making it one of the most heavily scrutinised projects in the city’s recent history.
Read: Brisbane’s Tallest Suburban Towers on Hold: Toowong Central Redevelopment Update
The ambitious proposal by Verso Projects would see three residential towers ranging from 49 to 58 storeys constructed in the heart of Toowong – approximately double the local height limit. The scale of public engagement ranks among the highest responses to Brisbane developments in the past decade, surpassed only by projects such as the Mt Coot-tha zip line proposal, which attracted over 2,000 comments.
Community Concerns Mount Over Traffic and Height
Approximately two-thirds of the public submissions have objected to Toowong Central, with traffic congestion emerging as the most significant concern amongst residents. Many locals fear the development will exacerbate existing problems in what is already recognised as one of Brisbane’s most congested areas.
Residents have expressed worry that the project will worsen the scarcity of street parking and add further strain to the Sherwood Road and High Street intersection, a notorious bottleneck during peak periods. One submission noted that Toowong is already struggling with traffic flow and urged the project to prioritise public transport, walking and cycling connections rather than encouraging additional car usage.
The proposed building heights have also drawn substantial criticism. At 58 storeys, the tallest tower would dwarf the neighbouring Toowong Village shopping centre, which has stood at approximately 20 storeys as the area’s tallest building since its controversial approval in the 1980s. Several submissions argued the towers would appear oppressive and out of character with the surrounding neighbourhood, blocking natural light to existing apartments and businesses.
Some community members have called for an entirely different approach to the site, suggesting it should be transformed into green space that could serve as habitat for native wildlife and recreational areas for local residents.
Local councillor Penny Wolff and state Greens MP Michael Berkman have both lodged formal submissions opposing the proposed building heights. Berkman’s submission went further, calling for 25 per cent of the new homes to be allocated as affordable housing if any development exceeding the height limit receives approval. He also raised concerns about the amount of green space included in the plans.
Developer Defends Vision as Fair Trade-Off
Verso Projects CEO Steve Laffey has maintained that the proposal represents a genuine plan rather than an excessive opening position in negotiations. He emphasised that the company could have alternatively constructed six code-assessable buildings on the amalgamated site with similar dwelling yields, which would have left the public with no opportunity to provide input or challenge the plans in court.
Mr Laffey argued that building higher allows the developer to deliver 5,500 square metres of public open space, which the company hopes to activate with markets, buskers, outdoor movie nights and other community events. He drew comparisons to West Village in West End, suggesting Toowong Central could similarly transform its suburb.
According to Mr Laffey, Toowong currently functions primarily as a transit point, with limited reasons for people to remain in the area beyond work commitments. He believes this transient nature actually contributes to traffic generation.
Addressing traffic concerns directly, Mr Laffey cited company modelling indicating the development would add only two cars per traffic light cycle. He attributed this minimal impact to the site having three street access points, contrasting it with Toowong Village’s single access point. The company had anticipated the substantial public response and viewed it positively, believing the community wanted transparency about the project’s future.
Mr Laffey noted that many respondents appeared unaware that Verso had amalgamated a significantly larger site than previous developers, allowing greater separation between the three towers.
Mixed Support and Path Forward
Not all feedback has been negative. Approximately one-third of submissions supported the project, with some residents welcoming over 1,000 new apartments in an inner-city location where housing is really needed. Supporters highlighted potential benefits including improved pedestrianisation between the development and Toowong Village train station, new amenities such as gym facilities, and infrastructure appropriate for a city preparing to host the 2032 Olympics and Paralympics.
Verso Projects is still determining whether the towers will comprise build-to-rent, build-to-sell, or a combination of both models. The three towers would be constructed atop stage one, which includes basement parking and podium-level retail, minimising disruption while activating the area progressively.
Read: $1 Billion Toowong Central Precinct Proposed to Transform Inner West
The developer is targeting council approval around mid-year, with hopes to begin construction by the end of 2025 and complete the project before the 2032 Games. Full details of development application A006836692 are available on Brisbane’s developmenti portal.
Published 26-January-2026
