Hamilton dessert bar vacates site following clash with prominent developer

A stoush between the owners of a suburban dessert bar and one of Brisbane’s most prominent property developers that threatened to derail a luxury new apartment complex has been resolved, with construction now set to begin within days.

Pervasive property developer Graya has declined to confirm whether any payment was involved in resolving the dispute with the owners of Krazy Dessert & Cocktail Bar, who had refused to leave their Racecourse Road venue to make way for a five-storey apartment building.

Graya lodged plans for the apartment building, to be called “The Gallery”, at 63-71 Racecourse Road last year.

But Krazy Dessert & Cocktail Bar, which operated from the shopping hub at the address, argued it had a clause protecting it from eviction for the purpose of demolition until 2030.

The business took the matter to the Supreme Court and received an injunction in April allowing it to reopen after it was locked out of the building by Graya.

On Wednesday, the developer confirmed all 17 shop leases on the site had been vacated, and construction would begin before the end of the week.

Graya declined to say if the agreement included a payment to the business. Krazy did not respond to a request for comment.

“Consolidating multiple sites is not a simple process,” a statement from Graya read.

“As we move into lifestyle developments on prominent retail strips, we are conscious of the sensitivity that comes with it.

“Change is sometimes hard to accept, even when the outcome is one the majority are looking forward to.

“We feel strongly about Brisbane and its long-term potential … we look forward to delivering something the suburb is proud of.”

Plans lodged with Brisbane City Council show the development will include 37 units and an arcade linking through to Kent Street.

Shopfronts along the ground floor are also planned.

The area is a development hotspot, with residential projects planned on either side of the site.

Part of the same shopping hub will be demolished by developer Fortis, which released plans in September for a 12-apartment building with a bakery, bar and food outlets on the ground floor.

The design was inspired by the nearby St Augustine’s Church.

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