$180m Utopian vision for The Valley

A spectacular $180 million mixed-use luxury apartment tower that is set to become the new heart of Brisbane’s gentrified Fortitude Valley has been launched to the market.Promising to take the city’s urban lifestyle to the next level, Utopia is the first of a number of Queensland projects planned by Sandt Developments.The 25 level apartment tower will offer virtual concierge, a ground-floor retail precinct, a recreation deck offering a private sanctuary including a 15 metre pool, gym and a lush rooftop garden featuring residents only open air cinema, barbeques and a yoga lawn.In an Australian first Utopia’s 300 apartments will be wrapped in Nano-coated glass. The Nano technology originates from Japan and is applied to the windows, assisting in reducing energy costs by regulating internal temperatures and blocking UV rays by up to 99%.Sandt Developments recently secured development approval for the tower which will rise at 275 Wickham Street, two blocks from the vibrant Brunswick Street Mall.Designed by Kris Kowalski Architects, the tower comprises a mix of one and two-bedroom apartments that will be pitched at discerning buyers.Sandt Developments Development Manager Bill Wang said Utopia would embody innovation, connection and community.“It will offer an unprecedented array of amenities designed to add both excitement and relaxation to the residents’ lives,” he said.“The apartments will reflect the eclecticism of The Valley and the sophistication of Brisbane city living.”Utopia’s spacious open floorplan apartments will offer a private, retreat-style atmosphere.Apartments will have enclosed balconies that can be opened to the elements but also extend internal living space.Architect Kris Kowalski said Utopia would stand out in terms of its unique and innovative design features.“The use of balconies which can be open or fully enclosed, accommodates Queensland’s sub-tropical climate and allows buyers a comfortable setting for evening outdoor entertaining regardless of the weather and time of the year,” he said.The recreation deck will be all about relaxation with an infinity pool, steam room, gym, sauna and reading room.Utopia’s social scene will be centred on the rooftop garden which includes an open-air cinema, yoga lawn, open air kitchen, barbecue area, extensive planting and an alfresco dining area.Jeanette Jensen, Sales Manager of Sandt Developments, said the project was receiving exceptional interest from interstate and overseas buyers.“Our secondary market will be owner occupiers, particularly dual income no kids couples and single professionals. They can proudly entertain guests from the comfort of their apartment or the magnificent resident’s only facilities,” she said.Ms Jensen said buyers would be drawn to Utopia’s location in the heart of the Valley’s vibrant retail, dining and entertainment precinct and on the doorstep of the CBD.“Utopia will be surrounded by a diverse mix of heritage-listed properties and contemporary buildings, housing, bars, shopping arcades and restaurants,” she said.“The upmarket and high energy urban pocket of James Street is only a short walk away and adds to the eclectic mix of demographics that makes up The Valley.”Utopia’s one-bedroom apartments are priced from $399,000 while the two-bedroom configurations are priced from mid $500,000.