Local developer secures landmark site with sweeping views, highlighting soaring demand for character assets on Brisbane’s Olympic doorstep.
One of Bowen Hills’ most recognisable properties has changed hands for $4,052,000, with the historical Ardrossan Hall transacting to a local developer, as investor appetite intensifies for tightly held assets positioned to benefit from Brisbane’s Olympic transformation.
The property located at 33 Brookes Street, Bowen Hills was transacted by Colliers Queensland agents Hunter Higgins and Brendan Hogan in conjunction with John Shepherd of Gallus Partners to Millennium Brookes Pty Ltd.
Set on a 559sqm site, the 706sqm office building features soaring three-metre ceilings, ornate fireplaces, timber staircases and expansive original windows, alongside contemporary office accommodation with floor-to-ceiling glass, wide balconies, a rooftop entertaining terrace and sweeping views across the Brisbane skyline and RNA Showgrounds.
Colliers Investment Services National Director Hunter Higgins said the sale underscores growing confidence in Bowen Hills, where major infrastructure and placemaking projects linked to the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games are expected to reshape the suburb into a premier commercial and lifestyle destination.
“With Brisbane entering a critical phase of Olympic preparation, buyers are becoming increasingly strategic about securing premium assets in suburbs that will directly benefit from billions in infrastructure and urban renewal,” Hunter Higgins said.
“The property drew significant interest from investors and owner-occupiers attracted to its unique blend of heritage character, development flexibility and prime Olympic-adjacent positioning. We fielded over 110 enquiries from interested parties.”
Located in the Bowen Hills Priority Development Area (PDA) governed by Economic Development Queensland (EDQ), the site is located within the Mixed Use zone, with a wide range of uses including commercial, retail health, medical, community, entertainment cultural activities and residential.
Colliers Residential Development Sites Director Brendan Hogan said opportunities to acquire assets of this calibre in Brisbane were becoming increasingly scarce.
“The Brisbane Showgrounds precinct is set to become one of the most activated and connected parts of the city over the next decade, with the future Athletes’ Village, upgraded main arena and broader transport improvements driving enormous confidence,” Brendan Hogan said.
“We saw strong interest from groups who recognised not only the immediate appeal of the building itself, but the significant upside attached to owning a landmark site within the Bowen Hills Priority Development Area.”
Known as RGM House or Ardrossan Hall, the property is a landmark local heritage asset dating back to 1892, with a strikingly preserved original façade and a sophisticated architect-designed rear extension that seamlessly combines old and new.
Gallus Partners Managing Partner John Shepherd said Bowen Hills was emerging as one of the city’s most compelling long-term investment stories.
“Properties like Ardrossan Hall are incredibly tightly held because they offer something the market simply can’t replicate, authentic character, historical significance and a commanding presence in a location undergoing extraordinary transformation,” John Shepherd said.
“There’s a growing appreciation from buyers for buildings that tell a story and create a sense of identity, particularly when they’re paired with functional, modern accommodation and this drove a highly competitive campaign.”
Originally constructed in the late 19th century, Ardrossan Hall has served various purposes throughout its history, from private residence and boarding accommodation to flats and hospitality venue, making it one of Bowen Hills’ most interesting properties.
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