A long-running battle over development in one of Brisbane’s most exclusive neighborhoods has come to a close, with a barrister and his executive wife listing their heritage-listed New Farm home for sale. Daniel and Sarah Clarry are selling their Maxwell Street property after exhausting all legal avenues to block a planned high-rise development next door, a project spearheaded by architect Joe Adsett and developer Craig Purdy.
The decision to sell marks the end of a five-year dispute that saw the Clarrys take their case to the state’s highest court. The couple, who purchased the Spanish Mission-style home in 2020 for $3.7 million, argued that the proposed nine-unit development, dubbed “Arcilla,” was out of character with the neighborhood and would overwhelm the existing streetscape. The core of their argument centered on the scale of the project, claiming it crammed too many dwellings and parking spaces onto the site.
The dispute highlights a growing tension in established Brisbane suburbs as developers seek to increase density and capitalize on prime real estate. Maxwell Street, known for its character homes and proximity to the trendy James Street and Howard Smith Wharves precincts, has turn into a focal point for this kind of development pressure. The Clarrys’ case underscores the challenges faced by homeowners seeking to preserve the amenity of their neighborhoods in the face of rapid urban change.
A Legal Battle Ends with a For Sale Sign
The Clarrys’ legal challenge began shortly after Adsett and Purdy secured approval from the Brisbane City Council for the Arcilla project. They initially sought to overturn the council’s decision in the Planning and Environment Court, but were unsuccessful. Undeterred, they appealed to the state’s highest court in 2023, again without success. The court ultimately upheld the Planning and Environment Court’s confirmation of the council’s approval, paving the way for construction to commence. Similar disputes over development approvals have become increasingly common in Brisbane, with homeowners often citing concerns about overdevelopment and loss of privacy.
Construction crews have already demolished a four-story, 1970s apartment block that previously occupied the site, clearing the way for the new development. Arcilla is slated to rise 4.7 meters higher than its predecessor, featuring six three-bedroom units, two four-bedroom units, and a penthouse. The plans also include basement parking, a gym, a lounge, and a swimming pool, amenities designed to appeal to high-end buyers.
Arcilla’s Appeal and Early Sales
According to a spokesperson for Arcilla, the development is targeting owner-occupiers seeking a luxurious lifestyle close to Brisbane’s vibrant dining and entertainment options. The project has already seen success, with three apartments sold off-the-plan to local buyers, achieving a record rate of $35,000 per square meter for non-riverfront properties. This price point reflects the increasing demand for premium properties in New Farm and surrounding suburbs.
Remaining units in Arcilla are priced starting at $5.35 million, with the penthouse still available for purchase. The developers, Adsett and Purdy, reportedly paid $4 million for the block in 2018, recognizing the potential for a high-end development in the sought-after location. They have emphasized the project’s proximity to James Street’s boutiques and restaurants and the entertainment offerings at Howard Smith Wharves as key selling points.
![An artist’s impression of one of the apartments in Arcilla by Joe Adsett and Craig Purdy.](data:image/svg+xml,%3Csvg xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" viewBox="0 0 1280 720"%3E%3C/svg%3E)
The Clarrys’ Property and the Market
The Clarrys’ property, listed with Matt Lancashire of Ray White Collective, is a four-bedroom, two-bathroom home situated on a 787 square meter block. The home boasts city and river views and retains its original Spanish Mission architectural features. Expressions of interest for the property close on March 20. The listing comes at a time of strong demand for luxury homes in Brisbane, although the market is showing signs of cooling after a period of rapid growth.
Maxwell Street is home to a number of high-profile residents, including former Macquarie Bank executive Martin Dacron, ophthalmologist Mark Donaldson, Lynne Pask (daughter of the late property billionaire Neville Pask), and Pierre-Axel Paoli, a French businessman who owns the luxury handbag store Cosette. The neighborhood’s appeal lies in its blend of character homes, leafy streets, and convenient access to the city center and surrounding amenities.
The sale of the Clarrys’ property will be closely watched by observers of the Brisbane real estate market. It will provide a further indication of buyer appetite for premium properties in established inner-city suburbs. The outcome will also likely influence future development decisions in the area, as developers weigh the potential for similar projects against the concerns of local residents.
Construction on Arcilla is expected to commence next week, marking the final chapter in this particular neighborhood dispute. Potential buyers interested in the Clarrys’ property are encouraged to contact Matt Lancashire at Ray White Collective for further information. The expressions of interest period closes on March 20, after which the future of this historic New Farm home will be decided.
Disclaimer: This article provides general information about real estate and legal matters. This proves not intended as financial or legal advice. Consult with a qualified professional before making any investment or legal decisions.
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