Red & Co has broken ground on Duet Porta, the first stage of its landmark Hamilton development. With builder 5Point appointed and completion targeted for Q2 2028, the project offers a timely read on what it takes to get a large residential job moving in the current climate.
In a construction market where delivery certainty has become as valuable as the product itself, the sod-turning at Duet Porta landed with more weight than most.
Red & Co officially commenced construction on the 25-level tower at 11-23 MacArthur Avenue, Northshore Hamilton, marking the first stage of the company’s $800 million Duet Portside development within the Portside precinct. The project’s first tower carries an end value of $350 million and includes 200 premium residences across a range of one, two and three-bedroom configurations.
For builders and trades watching the Brisbane apartment pipeline, the milestone is worth understanding on its own terms.
Getting the Builder Right
Red & Co appointed Queensland-based 5Point to deliver Duet Porta. The decision was deliberate, and director and co-founder Keiran Foster made no attempt to frame it as anything other than a critical business call.
“Securing an experienced builder is critical in the current market, and 5Point brings a strong track record in delivering residential projects of this scale.” — Keiran Foster, Red & Co
That framing reflects where the industry sits. The post-COVID period exposed the cost of mismatched capacity. Developers who moved forward without locking in the right builder paid for it in delays, disputes and budget blowouts. Those who took time to appoint properly generally came out better.
The appointment of 5Point signals that Red & Co approached this project with that lesson in mind.
What the Site Looks Like
The Portside precinct in Northshore Hamilton is one of Brisbane’s more established inner-city lifestyle areas. Adjacent to Portside Wharf and close to the Racecourse Road dining strip and the Brisbane Riverwalk, it has the kind of infrastructure and amenity that underpins sustained demand.
Architecturally, Duet Porta was designed by Plus Studio with the Brisbane River in mind. The building’s form draws from the river’s fluidity, with a focus on natural light, outlook and connection to the landscape. Apartments are priced from $1,045,000 and the mix of configurations is designed to appeal across downsizers, owner-occupiers and interstate buyers.
The rooftop level features a 25-metre swimming pool, BBQ and dining spaces overlooking the river and city skyline, with a gymnasium, sauna and residents’ lounge below at level six.
Why Delivery Certainty Is the Market’s Central Conversation
Adrian Parsons, Managing Director of TOTAL Property Group, which is managing sales for the project, was direct about what buyers are actually assessing right now.
“The commencement of construction is a key driver of buyer confidence, particularly in the current cycle, where delivery certainty is a major consideration.” — Adrian Parsons, TOTAL Property Group
That statement cuts to the core of what has changed in apartment presales over the past several years. Price and design still matter. But buyers are now asking harder questions about who is building, what their track record looks like, and whether the project will actually get finished.
For builders, this shift creates real opportunity. A reputation for reliable delivery, backed by completed projects, has become a competitive advantage that sits alongside capability and price.
The Broader Brisbane Context
Parsons noted that Brisbane continues to attract strong interest from interstate buyers, particularly ahead of the 2032 Olympic Games, driven by what he described as compelling value relative to Sydney and Melbourne.
The city has recorded sustained population growth, and demand for quality apartments in established, amenity-rich inner-city locations has remained consistent. For the Portside precinct specifically, new development opportunities are limited. MacArthur Avenue is a tightly held corridor where new supply does not regularly emerge.
Red & Co has been operating in Brisbane for more than a decade, delivering apartments and townhouses across 26 residential projects. Duet Portside is the most ambitious to date.
What This Means for the Construction Sector
For builders and trades operating in South East Queensland, a project of this scale and timeline represents a meaningful pipeline. Completion is targeted for Q2 2028, which places the bulk of construction activity across 2025 and 2026.
The project’s structure, a phased multi-tower development with a defined program and an appointed head contractor, is also the kind of clarity that allows subcontractors and suppliers to plan properly. Certainty of scope and timeline makes for better working relationships, and better outcomes on site.
Red & Co has confirmed the sales display is now open by appointment through TOTAL Property Group in Fortitude Valley, with the second stage of Duet Portside to follow as the broader masterplan progresses.
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General information only. This article does not constitute legal, financial or construction advice. Readers should seek independent professional advice relevant to their circumstances.
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