The Hamilton site has was cleared ahead of construction
Bulldozers have moved in on a massive site fronting Hamilton’s Racecourse Road, clearing the way for a controversial $150 million project that sparked a high-profile legal stoush and community backlash.
Developer and builder Graya has commenced construction on The Gallery, a six-level complex delivering 48 luxury residences above eight ground-floor retail and dining spaces, transforming a 150m stretch of the historic high street.
Graya demolished 17 existing tenancies to assemble the 3,612 sqm site, following the resolution of a Supreme Court challenge by Krazy Dessert and Cocktail Bar.
An artist’s impression of The Gallery
The owners of the popular dessert bar claimed they were “unlawfully evicted” by Graya when workers allegedly arrived on site to change the locks and cut the power.
Locals also rallied against the scale of the development, fearing the expansion of original plans for a four-storey building were out of character for the historic strip.
Confirming the release of all 17 leases, Graya acknowledged the toll of the site assembly, noting the process was “deeply personal” for the affected small businesses.
In a statement, the developer described the acquisition as a “genuine challenge”, referencing the project’s most significant hurdle.
“One long-standing tenancy was the hardest to resolve and took the longest to work through.
“It was a genuine challenge, and it was overcome by patience on both sides.”
It’s a legacy project for the company
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Graya CEO and co-founder Rob Gray said the company recognised the community’s concerns, and was focused on delivering a landmark precinct ahead of the 2032 Games.
“We know consolidating a site like this is not easy for everyone involved, and we don’t take that lightly,” Mr Gray said.
“Brisbane is our home and we are invested in its long-term future.”
The Gallery, designed by Bureau^Proberts, marks the firm’s first multi-residential release in Hamilton, where they have built a string of trophy homes over the past decade.
The project’s residential mix was designed to pave the way for locals to downsize from large family homes into luxury apartments without having to leave their familiar neighbourhood and routines.
Development director Shaun Mets is now focused on securing high-end retail and dining tenants. Picture: Liam Kidston
Graya managing director Andrew Gray said Hamilton’s connectivity, demographic trajectory, and the profile of the existing his street make it the perfect target to absorb the city’s next phase of growth.
“Racecourse Road deserves to be revitalised, and the timing is right,” he said.
With construction now underway, Graya development director Shaun Mets said the focus is on securing premium retail and dining tenants for the complex’s ground floor.
“We are going to put some really high-end operators in these spaces,” Mr Mets said.
“A project like this is about redefining Hamilton. Being able to influence the character of the street for the future makes it a really exciting opportunity.”
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