Toowong’s famous heritage fig trees are set to illuminate 600 Coronation Drive when more than five kilometres of fairy lights are switched on at the site earmarked for a two-tower apartment development.

The bright idea is the brainchild of developer Consolidated Properties Group, which earlier this year received development approval from Brisbane City Council to build 224 apartments across two 15-level towers at 600 Coronation Drive, Toowong.

Monarch Residences will be built amongst riverfront gardens with direct river frontage as well as the historic Middenbury House, which will be restored as part of the development.

Eltech Electrical has installed more than five kilometres of commercial grade Firefly fairy lights on the two heritage ficus benjamina (fig trees) trees adjacent to Middenbury house.

Eltech Electrical’s past projects include installing lights on five fig trees in Mowbray Park in conjunction with Brisbane City Council and Firefly and designing the lighting for trees at the Queensland University of Technology domain.

Consolidated Properties Group chairman and CEO Don O’Rorke said the fairy lights provide a grand entrance for Monarch Residences.

“We know just how special these fig trees are to Brisbane, which is why we’ve decided to give them the fairy light treatment, so they’ll stand proud for locals and for future residents,” Mr O’Rorke said.

“We’ve taken great care and consideration to show due respect to these trees and we’re sure Brisbane locals will really enjoy seeing the special trees lit up at night.

“These heritage-listed trees have been here a long time and will be around long after Monarch Residences is complete.”

The lights were installed by specialist arborist climbers to ensure no harm or damaged was caused to the trees and their future growth.

Consolidated Properties Group is undertaking Monarch Residences as a joint venture with the Qualitas Real Estate Opportunity Fund 2. It purchased the 1.2ha Coronation Drive site in early 2021 and lodged plans later that same year.

Hutchinson Builders is expected to begin construction of Monarch, designed by John Wardle Architects, later this year with both towers to be built simultaneously along with the restoration of the heritage-listed Middenbury House.