$252m Coorparoo Square hits mark with local downsizers

Brisbane locals are responding to the $252 million Coorparoo Square apartment project which is presenting a rare opportunity to downsize in the heritage suburb.Bruce Carter and Karyn Trapp have lived in Coorparoo for nearly a decade and will move from their four-bedroom family home to a three-bedroom, two-bathroom penthouse when the project is completed in 2017.“Having lived in a large home on a steep block, we wanted somewhere easy to maintain and without the hassle of stairs but still with enough space to accommodate guests when they come to stay,” Mr Carter said.“We love the area and didn’t want to completely uproot ourselves; the idea of a sea change just wasn’t appealing.“Moving to Coorparoo Square means we can downsize within our own suburb.“It’s definitely a case of out with the old and in with the new. We can use the opportunity to get rid of a lot of our old furniture and general clutter.“The apartment itself will still have plenty of living space and city views, plus the benefit of the ground floor retail and nearby supermarkets,” he said.Coorparoo Square, developed in a joint venture by Frasers Property Australia (formerly known as Australand) and Honeycombes Property Group, is now selling its final stage.Frasers Property Australia Queensland Residential General Manager, Cameron Leggatt said the project had appealed to a range of buyer groups, but noted a trend of local downsizers gravitating to larger apartments.“Coorparoo is well-known for heritage Queenslander homes so this project is bringing something new to the suburb,” he said.“Coorparoo Square has resonated with locals who now won’t have to leave Coorparoo to downsize.“Two- and three-bedroom options have been particularly popular with people who want to move out of a house while retaining a sense of space.“They also like the fact that by staying in the area they can go to the same supermarket, visit the same cafes and be close to family and friends.”Honeycombes Property Group Managing Director Peter Honeycombe said proximity to local restaurants and shopping, as well as Coorparoo Square’s unique retail offerings, plays a large part in the appeal.“Coorparoo Square’s residents will not only have access to supermarkets, a Dendy Cinema complex, restaurants, cafes and shops at their doorstep, but they will also enjoy all of the private amenities that Club Coorparoo has on offer including a tennis court, two pools, a private dining space and more” he said.“This combination of residential, retail and entertainment is a significant convenience for people who are at the downsizing phase of life.”Located just 4.5km from the CBD in Brisbane’s inner east, Coorparoo Square will comprise more than 360 apartments, 6,000sqm retail precinct and a 10-theatre Dendy Cinema complex.The 1.2ha site, on the corner of Old Cleveland and Cavendish Roads, was previously occupied by Myer’s first department store in Brisbane.Coorparoo Square’s sales display suite is open daily from 10am to 5pm. Call 13 38 38 for information on the limited remaining apartments.