Units Built Beside The Triffid To Be Soundproofed In Win For Brisbane's Live Music Scene

The Triffid has won a legal row against developers after reaching a settlement in the Planning and Environment Court. The Brisbane institution will be protected from noise complaints that could shut it down, with a new high-rise to be built near the music venue set to be soundproofed.

In December, The Music reported on The Triffid’s fight against a new residential and commercial development in Newstead, citing concerns that the venue will be “adversely affected” by the proposed $1.5 billion complex.

Former Powderfinger bassist John “JC” Collins and Hutchinson Builders co-own the venue and also teamed up to build The Fortitude Music Hall in Brisbane. Collins is Queensland’s first-ever Night-Life Commissioner.

Together, the pair lodged an appeal against the approval of Panettiere Developments’ “Little Italy” project, set to be built on the same street as The Triffid.

The Brisbane City Council approved the construction of the complex last October. However, Collins and Hutchinson Builders found support in Connor O’Meara to challenge the authorisation via the Queensland Planning and Environment Court.

The appeal argued that, due to an insufficient noise impact assessment, the towers' residents would make increased noise complaints, thus causing The Triffid to be “adversely affected.”

Now, the Planning and Environment Court has ruled that Panettiere Developments must undertake adequate measures to protect residents from noise from The Triffid.

Panettiere Developments agreed to bolster the soundproofing measures in its first building, which will sit adjacent to The Triffid, and add acoustic treatments to levels four to 12.

Panettiere Developments told The Courier Mail, “We’re proud to have worked constructively with The Triffid representatives to find a solution that respects Brisbane’s vibrant music culture while allowing the proposed development to move forward.”

In a statement, Hutchinson Builders Chairman Scott Hutchinson remarked that the settlement marks a significant win for The Triffid and the Brisbane live music scene.

“At the end of the day, live music’s more important than money,” Hutchinson said. “You can get just one vexatious complaint [closing a venue down]. It’s crazy.”

In November 2024, The Triffid celebrated its tenth birthday, with five full days of live music events. Collins said at the time: “The last ten years have been an amazing journey – we’re excited to keep it going for another ten years.”