On the 23rd of January, the Pullenvale Presbyterian Church called for a meeting to discuss their DA to the Brisbane City Council at the Kenmore Library.
The church has lodged a development application covering 1 Pullenvale Rd, just next to the Pullenvale Reserve, in collaboration with the Mantle Group. The application involves the building of a church, childcare centre, a carpark that can accommodate 118 cars, and a rooming accommodation.
Since 2006, the church congregation has been holding their meetings in school halls and other spaces. The DA reflects their desire to build a church that will be a valuable addition to the community in the future.
Controversial Plans
The now-controversial DA has two stages and stage two may be broken down into parts.
Stage 1 of the project involves the retention of the existing house for use by the church for office/administration and small church-related gatherings and activities.
Stage 2 is divided into two parts.
Part 1
- Main church auditorium with capacity for 300 visitors
- Partial construction of 118-slot car park
Part 2
- Entry foyer
- Multi-purpose building with removable partitions for Sunday School rooms and various other possibilities during the week
- Church administration building
- Courtyard and outdoor room
- Completion of the 118-slot car park, with two handicap-accessible spaces
- Site landscaping such as plans for a community garden in the Moggill Road corner
What Locals Have To Say
So far, locals are skeptical about this development. Most of them are concerned about the koalas found at the Reserve, whilst others express their curiosity as to why an international property developer that specialises in entertainment precincts is building a church.
Another Controversial Development
A campaign against developments on the site is also supported by the Australian Koala Foundation.
Just last year, the Kenmore Bridge Club announced their plans of turning the Reserve into a 40-space carpark. However, loopholes resurfaced that prevented them from pushing through with their development plans.
Despite the fact that the council has approved the Bridge Club development, the Department of Natural Resources and Mines (DNRM) explained that the council cannot use the standard agreement for a Trustee Lease because, in principle, it doesn’t have the Minister’s consent for issuing a lease. Also, the bridge club doesn’t have tenure for the reserve.
Related article: Loopholes Provide a Glimmer of Hope for the Pullenvale Reserve
Related article: Pullenvale Reserve’s Fate Remains Uncertain, Australian Koala Foundation Extends Support Against Development